Tessa Young, an up-and-coming landscape architect who specializes in the design and creation of labyrinths, has immersed herself in the mythological, spiritual, and healing aspects of the elaborate structures. She also is searching for God and hoping to make sense of the nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. When Smith Chandler, an estranged colleague--with whom she'd half fallen in love a dozen times before catching herself every time--calls to propose a project he claims is the opportunity of a lifetime, she reluctantly agrees to check it out. Smith is reconstructing a pre-Revolutionary War abbey for wealthy clients. Among its remarkable features is an overgrown labyrinth. Unable to resist, Tessa accepts his offer to work with him. Soon she is immersed in the project of a lifetime. But one evening, after weeks of work in the labyrinth, Tessa and Smith are attacked. While protecting Tessa, Smith is stabbed, and the nightmare begins...again.

“Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”—John 8:32

The Edge of Recall, like Kristen Heitzmann’s other novels, invites the reader beyond the often predictable storyline of Christian fiction into a world of mystery, intrigue, and romance. With unique characters and plot twists that keep the reader engaged and guessing, The Edge of Recall is one of her finest suspense novels yet.

Tessa Young, a talented but troubled landscape architect, has built her career by constructing elaborate gardens and meditative labyrinths for the rich. While these labyrinths are her passion, they are also tied to her recurring nightmares and the fragmented memories of her past, which she can’t forget or comprehend. When Smith Chandler, a college acquaintance with whom her friendship was bitterly ended, reappears in her life, she’s ready to slam the door in his face—until he offers her the project of her dreams. Given the opportunity to reconstruct a colonial-era labyrinth, she can’t say no. Yet, beneath the labyrinth lurks a secret which changes Smith and Tessa forever.

Heitzmann’s cast of characters is real and inviting. Tessa, in particular, is a character whom many female readers will find a kindred spirit. Like so many, she is crippled by her fear of rejection. Yet, she remains a successful and compassionate woman, as well. Smith is an amiable Brit recently recommitted to God and baffled by Tessa’s unpredictable temper. Beside them stands Smith’s charming co-worker Bair, an ex-rugby player paralyzed by the thought of a date. Cast against them is the odious Rumer Gaston, a casino owner with plenty of money, but deficit of humanity. With swift-moving and witty dialogue, Heitzmann brings each of her characters, good and bad, to life, evoking tenderness, humor, and fear. Through the relationships between the characters, Heitzmann touches on the importance of love and forgiveness, commitment and trust.

The novel’s setting dances from Maryland to Nevada to Colorado, each setting splashed with local color. Readers are invited to savor southern crab cakes, bask in a luxurious casino, and rest in the Rocky Mountains’ embrace. Heitzmann never lets her readers get bored but provides a winding plot and an emotional journey that keep the pages turning. The Edge of Recall offers spiritual encouragement along with suspense as each of the main characters unfolds in his or her understanding of God. Heitzmann does an excellent job of showing through her characters how large the gap is between believing in “a god” and having an intimate relationship with Christ.

One of the novel’s most prominent themes is the importance of truth. Because of the ambiguities of Tessa’s past, she is unable to love or trust. It is only after she uncovers the reason for her recurring nightmares and her father’s disappearance during her childhood that Tessa is free to live. Smith must experience a truer revelation of God’s love before he finds his heart complete. Heitzmann subtly and skillfully weaves a story that reflects God’s redemptive heart and abilities. The Edge of Recall will draw a sigh of contentment when the last pages flutter shut, making it more than worth its price. -- Lauren M. Peltier, ChristianBookPreviews.com

Average Rating:

8 of 30 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by I Love HIM (Buena Park, CA), December 20, 2009

---Not A Spoiler!!--- I think "The Edge of Recall" has been one of Kristen's greatest books yet! Although if you're new to her books, this one is out of her genre. This was a Fabulous Suspense. It's dramatic, while being funny, romantic and....educational! I'm always "waiting for Kristen Heitzmann's newest releases!" Both me & my husband have enjoyed every one of her books (without a doubt-she's an awesome, gifted, and God-fearing Author)

Reviewed by Wendy (San Mateo,Fl.), August 25, 2009

I thoughly enjoyed this book.I stayed up past my bed time more than a few times. I am looking forward to reading more books by Kristen.

Reviewed by Melanie (Oklahoma City, OK), July 03, 2009

Wow! This book was amazing. I could hardly put it down. It keeps you on the edge of your seat in suspense, but also teaches many lessons. Things are not always what they seem. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an exciting journey.

Reviewed by Debbee Bienert (Idaho), April 11, 2009

I have read "all" of Kristen Heitzmann's Books, except the Rocky Series a trio of romances. Her now trademark genre into contemporary/thriller/suspense/romance suits my reader's pallet perfectly. This book "The Edge of Recall", was an excellent read. So much so that I found myself intrigued by the history of labyrinths and studying later to find out more about "this said Monster." Although, I couldn't give this book a most needed, higher than a 5 point rating it deserves... I have enjoyed some of her other books a little more. Overall, this book trilled my husband and I, finding a most intriguing plot, and history we would never known of in this creative and suspenseful book. Once again - Bravo! for Kristen Heitzmann and "The Edge of Recall." This book will be re-read and stay in our friends & family's library! -As always, patiently waiting for your next adventure!!-

Reviewed by Stacey (Las Vegas, NV), April 04, 2009

Kristen Heitzmann pens another winner with her novel “The Edge of Recall”. In this story, the reader tags along with an expert labyrinth architect who is forced to deal with a mysterious monster that plagues her dreams, a father who abandoned her and a college crush who laughed at her goals. Tessa is by no means a weak character, possibly because of how well she has come to know herself in therapy. But is she strong enough to deal with re-creating a labyrinth on a project where she finds herself working for a man who jilted her? Especially when there is a very real threat spying on the team and sabotaging the project. This tale is masterfully told by Kristen Heitzmann, who drops bread crumbs of mystery and romance and long-buried memories that surface at just the wrong – or maybe it’s the perfect – time. The supporting characters are as significant as the main players that they evoke a dramatic response in the reader. This book makes me want to construct my own labyrinth in my garden!

Reviewed by Patricia Smith (Russellville, AL), November 08, 2008

Loved this book! Didn't want to put it down once I started reading it. This goes on the bookshelf to read again and again.

Reviewed by Mary Barr (Columbiaville, MI), October 05, 2008

This book is a combination of mystery and romance, well balanced. My favorite kind of book. Educational. The daily Christian references included naturally. I have all of Kristen's books and they keep me up LATE! I don't want them to end either as its an intriguing story. Such a variety of subjects she uses in her books. I appreciate how she uses words and doesn't give overly long unecessary details. Tessa was someone I could identify with in her fears, searching, uncertainties and Smith also had his issues to deal with. I'll probably reread it next year again!

Reviewed by Rena Clemons (Ellensburg, WA), October 02, 2008

I can hardly put this one down. I think Kristen Heitzmann is a wonderful author and can hold you spellbound

View all 30 Reviews

Write a review of The Edge of Recall

• Books >> Fiction >> Contemporary >> Women's Fiction
• Books >> Fiction >> Suspense & Intrigue
• Fiction >> Contemporary >> Women's Fiction
• Fiction >> Suspense & Intrigue
• Start A New Christianbook.com Search

I'm the author/artist and I want to review The Edge of Recall.