Behind The Bliss: The Story Behind A Breathless Place

Welcome to the first-ever installment of Behind the Bliss!

This is my new blog series where I’ll share the stories behind my stories—those extra layers of inspiration and emotion that shaped the books you’ve read (or are about to).

For this inaugural post, I’m diving into A Breathless Place, the most personal and emotional novel I’ve ever written.

 

Writing Through Tears

I cried a lot while writing this book. Some scenes left me sitting at my desk, tissues in hand, utterly drained. But don’t worry—it’s not all doom and gloom!

Even though A Breathless Place tackles heavy themes like mortality and legacy, at its heart, it’s a story about love, hope, and finding joy in the most unexpected places.

Izzy, the protagonist, is a former music icon who’s lived a dazzling, headline-making life. Izzy has decided to take control of her final chapter, but her life takes an unexpected turn when Leila, a biographer, steps into the picture.

Their relationship grows in ways neither of them could have imagined, and Izzy learns that it’s never too late for love—or for a little extra magic.

 

A Moment That Changed Everything

The scene where Izzy lets Leila read her goodbye letter is, without a doubt, the most emotional I’ve ever written. That letter wasn’t just Izzy letting Leila look deep into her soul—it was also me, as the writer, allowing the reader to see straight into mine. It’s raw, unfiltered, and heartbreakingly honest, and I know some readers found it hard to get through because of its intensity.

For Leila, reading that letter was like holding a mirror to Izzy’s pain and seeing her in a way no one else ever had. She was angry at first—how could she not be?—but it was the moment everything shifted between them. It brought them closer, cracked them open, and allowed something real to grow between them.

For me, it was a moment of true vulnerability, the kind that makes me want to hide away and never show my face again—even though, deep down, I know I shouldn’t. Just like Izzy, I had to push through that fear, because some stories are worth laying yourself bare for.

 

A Life-Changing Writing Process

Writing A Breathless Place changed me in ways I couldn’t fully express until I reflected on the experience. Like Izzy, I had to confront my past while writing this book.

It bridges a deeply personal gap between the darkest times in my life and where I stand today—living my dream as a writer.

The result is a story that became a message of hope. Take it from someone who once believed all hope was lost: there’s always something better around the corner.

Click to hear Abby Craden read the lyrics... ❤️

 

A Celebration of Love at Every Stage

One thing I’m particularly proud of with A Breathless Place is how it showcases love between two women in their 50s and 60s. It’s a reminder that romance doesn’t have an expiration date, and that life—even when you think it's all over—can be full of surprises.

Izzy and Leila’s love story is about more than just passion (though there’s plenty of that!)

It’s about connection, rediscovery, and what it means to truly see someone for who they are.

Final Thoughts

A Breathless Place is so much more than just a love story. For me, it’s a meditation on life’s fragility and the beauty of finding connection in the most unexpected places.

Izzy’s journey is about rediscovering life through love. And Leila is the perfect match for Izzy in ways neither of them could have foreseen.

If you’ve read my other books, you know I love mixing humor, heat, and heartache. This one leans heavier on the heartache, but I promise you: there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s a story that reminds us, even in our darkest moments, love can provide solace and clarity.

If you haven’t yet experienced A Breathless Place, now is the perfect time to dive in. I poured so much of myself int it and I’d love for you to immerse yourself in Izzy and Leila’s (wait for it) breathless journey. 😊

It’s a story that will take you to the depths of human emotion and the heights of true connection.

 

What’s Next in Behind The Bliss

This is just the beginning of Behind the Bliss. I can’t wait to share more insights about my books. Each one has its own unique journey, and I hope this series gives you a little peek into what it’s like to write these stories—and live with them in my head.

Now I’d love to hear from you! Which book would you like me to dive into for the next Behind the Bliss post? Let me know in the comments—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Thank you, as always, for reading.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

P.S. FYI, A Breathless Place is available in ebook, print, and audio and also in German as Jenseits der Harmonie. (French friends: a French translation is coming as well.)