The Breaking Point

Years of marital strife have brought Gabe and Renee Roman to the very edge---relationally and spiritually. But their greatest test lies when their truck hurtles off a treacherous Oregon road, stranding them on a mountain pass in the midst of a blizzard. Can they surrender their prideful defenses for self-sacrifice . . . and survival? 400 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

Gabe and Renee Roman are on the edge -- relationally and spiritually. Both consider themselves followers of Christ. But after years of struggling in their marriage, their greatest test comes in the most unexpected of forms: a blizzard in the Oregon mountains. Their truck hurtles over the side of a mountain, and each encounters the realities of suffering, sacrifice, and service in Christ's name. It isn't until they surrender their last defenses that their surface understandings are torn away and all that's left is truth: only through obedience to God's call can they find true joy.

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Reviewed by Judith Eardley (Hagerstown, MD), June 21, 2008

Karen Ball is an extremely gifted writer who is able to share her faith and teach Biblical truths in a way that will be non-threatening to an unbeliever, yet encourage and instruct believers. This book is based upon her own personal struggles in her marriage, although it is partially fiction, partially fact. When you read it, be sure to read the Dedication and Acknowledgments before beginning Chapter one. I wish that I had the money to give this book to every young married couple I know. Much of it could have been written about my own early years of marriage, and the things that God taught Karen, He also taught me. This book should be a "must read" for every Christian couple about to begin their lives together, or ones who are already struggling and ready to give up. If the lessons God taught Gabe and Renee are applied, I feel that God can and will turn almost every union into one of love and trust and renewed commitment. There are very few marriages that cannot be saved if the ones involved will walk in obedience to God's will and let Him do the rest. That's what this book is about.

Reviewed by Christina (Duvall, Washington), June 18, 2004

A Must Read... for all married people, as well as anyone who may ever get married. While the initial setting is a snowstorm in 2003, the author makes use of flashbacks to show us how Renee and Gabe Roman came to this place in their marriage. It is very honest, painful, sometimes funny... very real. This is not a book about perfect Christians... this is about people who have real flaws and pain and even get angry at God. In other words, people just like you and me.

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner (USA), July 20, 2003

Excellent drama. Gabe and Renee Roman were driving almost blind from the blizzard wracking the Oregon Mountains because he wanted to get home to put an end to this miserable trip. Renee and even their Husky Bo are frightened with this storm that leaves visibility at zero. However, Renee is also worried that she and Gabe are finished as a couple as they can no longer communicate and when they do the receiver misinterprets the sender. As Renee ponders the future, suddenly Gabe warns her as their vehicle plunges off the mountainside. Perhaps it was the deep snow or more likely an act of God, but the three travelers survive the crash though Gabe is unconscious. Somehow they must survive the weather, their feelings towards one another, and a cougar with the most dangerous being their animosity, for to survive, they must work as a team and find their lost beliefs in God because they will need a miracle. Inspirational romantic suspense readers will appreciate this delightful cliffhanger. Flashbacks provide depth to the lead couple, but also slows down the action caused by the current peril. The “re-finding” of God is brilliantly incorporated into the plot in a no atheist in the foxhole manner yet Karen Ball makes the growing hope and belief seem genuine, as readers will believe in miracles. Fans will reassess what is truly their personal THE BREAKING POINT while enjoying a powerful contemporary tale.

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Author: Karen Ball
Located in: Oregon
Submitted: July 20, 2003

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I'm a lover of wonder, words, fellowship, and laughter. I find my greatest joys in God, family, friends, books, animals, and nature. And I'm a firm believer in being transparent. The only way we can make it through this life is to be honest about our struggles and weaknesses, to seek solid, godly counsel and make ourselves accountable to others. And I truly believe those who laugh the most and find the greatest humor in life are often those who have suffered deeply.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  Obedience. It's the one story God's been nudging me to write for a long time. And many of my writing friends, including Francine Rivers, Angela Hunt, and Liz Curtis Higgs, have been urging me to tell it as well. When I realized how many marriages--even Christian marriages-- were in serious trouble, I knew the time had come to stop avoiding the pain and do what God was calling me to. He wanted me to testify to what He'd done in Don's and my marriage, to show that even when things seem impossible, He's sufficient if you'll just surrender to HIS will.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I hope they'll see that God really can bring beauty out of the ashes of our lives, that He can take our brokenness and make something truly glorious out of it. My prayer is that the story may help others who struggle in their relationships, that it will direct them to God's ways and purposes for marriage--that some of the myths about marriage will be dispelled and folks will come to realize that no one can "make" us happy. Our truest joy and peace come from keeping our focus on God, not each other. But the wonderful thing is, when we finally focus on God, He brings us more joy, love, and deep happiness than we ever imagined. Marriage isn't easy, not by a long shot, but when it's done God's way, it's definitely worth whatever it takes to endure.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  The greatest influence in my life has been my parents, Fred and Paula Sapp. My dad's been a pastor/shepherd of the same wonderful church for 44 years, and he and Mom always lived the faith they taught and professed. Our home was filled wtih laughter, faith, and love. I used to think all homes were like that. I now know my childhood was God's gift to me to prepare me for what I would face as an adult. My parents and our church family gave me a solid foundation of faith and trust in God--and it's that foundation that wouldn't let me walk away from what was right. As for authors, I've found great inspiration through the works of C.S. Lewis, Francine Rivers, Gary Thomas, Madeline L'Engle, and many others.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  THE BREAKING POINT was the hardest book I've ever written, but it's also the book that's brought me the greatest blessings. That God can take our darkest moments and turn them into something that shines is ever and always a miracle to me. He's proven Himself faithful, over and over, and I'm just grateful He allowed me to use the lessons from our marriage to touch others.

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