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Twilight
Returning to her hometown was the last thing Laurie ever expected. But with two children in tow, she must begin anew... and face the life--and man--she turned her back on. Cal has been struggling with his own problems, but the arrival of Laurie brings new hope and meaning to his life. Can he push aside his feelings to simply be the friend she desperately needs? And when the dangers of her hidden past threaten, can Cal overcome the haunting memories of his own past failures to rescue the only woman he's ever loved?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
67 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Heitzmann
46 books916 followersKristen Heitzmann is the award winning author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical series. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Rocky Mountain trails.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 5, 2013
Loved Cal, the hero of the book. So loving and caring. We read about his struggles with PTSD, and his struggle with getting over (or not) his one and only true love.
Laurie was not so easy to love. In fact, I was was pretty indifferent toward her from beginning to end. Although she did finally realize what was truly important in life, she took us on an adventure to get there.
The story had potential. But it somehow missed the mark, at least it did for me. I never felt a connection between Laurie and Cal. It was just a "story" rather than something I felt part of. An epilogue would have improved my over all opinion of the book. Although there was a happily-ever-after ending, a glimpse into the future would have pushed the rating up.
This was one of the authors older books. Her wringing style has, in my opinion, improved tremendously over the years. If this was your first book by this author, read some of her newer books. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Laurie was not so easy to love. In fact, I was was pretty indifferent toward her from beginning to end. Although she did finally realize what was truly important in life, she took us on an adventure to get there.
The story had potential. But it somehow missed the mark, at least it did for me. I never felt a connection between Laurie and Cal. It was just a "story" rather than something I felt part of. An epilogue would have improved my over all opinion of the book. Although there was a happily-ever-after ending, a glimpse into the future would have pushed the rating up.
This was one of the authors older books. Her wringing style has, in my opinion, improved tremendously over the years. If this was your first book by this author, read some of her newer books. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
December 24, 2021
Reading this novel was to me like riding a seesaw, up and down throughout the whole book. One thing learned from this reading is that you cannot go ahead of God in what you want in life. You need God to direct you and be patient with His will. Many times we show our immaturity by not waiting on Him to direct us.
August 6, 2012
I should know better than to read so many books by the same author so close to each other, but I picked this one up from the library and polished it off in no time. I definitely enjoy Heitzmann's books enough to keep reading, but I am also noticing how every book has nearly the same plot. For me, the ending of a book is what makes or breaks it. Heitzmann tends to build her storylines in an amazing crescendo, then plateau off for a minute, then crash into a resolution that is not at all what you expect. Just when you think all hope for a happy ending is gone, she wraps everything up neatly in a single chapter. I truly do enjoy her stories, but I also wish she would develop more comprehensive, believable conclusions. Twilight was no exception. The story line kept me turning pages quickly, even though I was able to predict exactly what would happen from the halfway point through the conclusion. Heitmann writes believable characters, and I enjoy reading about them. I just wish she could come up with a new plot line.
May 7, 2015
I loved loved loved this book. I love her style of writing!!! She brings you into the story, capturing your heart with dear characters, and leaving you on the edge of your seat. With a lot of romance, a little bit of danger, and suspense, this book was wonderful!
April 23, 2016
Laurie Prelane returns to her hometown with her two small children, hoping to escape a dangerous situation and a husband who has lost his way. There she is forced to confront the personal issues that she never resolved as a child and teenager, including her old sweetheart, Cal. Danger follows her, and soon she and her children are again at risk.
Cal Morrison used to be the best firefighter in town until a tragedy left him unable to do his job. Now he dresses in a clown suit and does public education on fire safety. When Laurie comes back, he wonders if they can rekindle the old flame and make a new life together. But both Laurie and Cal are so scarred from their pasts that they hide their true thoughts and feelings. It will take a series of crises to get them to open up to each other and begin the road towards healing and real love.
I read this book years ago, and I was very frustrated by Cal and Laurie. Why couldn’t they just tell each other what was really going on inside? Cal, I thought, had an excuse, with his PTSD, but Laurie? She needed someone to shake her. She didn’t even tell Cal that she was still married, and it was obvious that he was falling in love with her. Come on, girl, I wanted to say, what is wrong with you? Can’t you recognize a good thing when you see it? But I read this book again in February as I was on my way to my aunt’s funeral, and it was as if it was a different book. What was the difference? Life happened to me. People get hurt, and they hide away who they really are, hoping to shield themselves from being wounded again. I now understood Laurie, and why she tried so hard to dig into her little foxhole and cover her head. I saw her mother, the stiff, unemotional Marjorie, who hasn’t dared to express anything honestly for decades, and I understood her too.
Tragedies happen. People make mistakes. The consequences don’t go away by themselves. Like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripples spread out and effect everything and everyone in their lives. But as this story shows so dramatically, there is redemption and forgiveness. If we will dare to be honest, if we can dare to love, we can find our way, and grow and learn from the experiences we go through. Kristen Heitzmann does an amazing job of showing the real people below the masks they wear. This book moved me deeply and has made me determined to be not only a better writer, but a better person as well.
Cal Morrison used to be the best firefighter in town until a tragedy left him unable to do his job. Now he dresses in a clown suit and does public education on fire safety. When Laurie comes back, he wonders if they can rekindle the old flame and make a new life together. But both Laurie and Cal are so scarred from their pasts that they hide their true thoughts and feelings. It will take a series of crises to get them to open up to each other and begin the road towards healing and real love.
I read this book years ago, and I was very frustrated by Cal and Laurie. Why couldn’t they just tell each other what was really going on inside? Cal, I thought, had an excuse, with his PTSD, but Laurie? She needed someone to shake her. She didn’t even tell Cal that she was still married, and it was obvious that he was falling in love with her. Come on, girl, I wanted to say, what is wrong with you? Can’t you recognize a good thing when you see it? But I read this book again in February as I was on my way to my aunt’s funeral, and it was as if it was a different book. What was the difference? Life happened to me. People get hurt, and they hide away who they really are, hoping to shield themselves from being wounded again. I now understood Laurie, and why she tried so hard to dig into her little foxhole and cover her head. I saw her mother, the stiff, unemotional Marjorie, who hasn’t dared to express anything honestly for decades, and I understood her too.
Tragedies happen. People make mistakes. The consequences don’t go away by themselves. Like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripples spread out and effect everything and everyone in their lives. But as this story shows so dramatically, there is redemption and forgiveness. If we will dare to be honest, if we can dare to love, we can find our way, and grow and learn from the experiences we go through. Kristen Heitzmann does an amazing job of showing the real people below the masks they wear. This book moved me deeply and has made me determined to be not only a better writer, but a better person as well.
May 17, 2014
I thought the characters were believable and the situation was tenable. I liked the interplay with the main characters and the secondary characters. Loved the older ladies. You felt for the characters and I kept reading so I could find out what happened next.
August 23, 2018
This just wasn't my type of book. I simply couldn't get into the story. Not worth a read in my opinion.
September 9, 2023
Depressing to the bitter end.
February 2, 2022
It's been a while since I read a Christian fiction novel. And despite the two star rating, this book reminded me some of why I like the genre so much. As a Christian, I greatly appreciate the way God is used in this novel and how the characters are shown to pray and talk to God.
With that said, this was not my favorite depiction of the genre, and that comes down to primarily Laurie. I loathed her as a character. I'm usually very forgiving with female characters but Laurie can only be classified as "too stupid to live". I get that she has hurts and that she is just trying to find her place in the world, but she was just ANNOYING. The woman couldn't do anything right in my opinion. I mean, she tells her mom she wants to borrow her father's gun and then is too what, embarrassed or scared, to have it in front of her kids. That whole scene where she bought bullets for the thing was ridiculous and then to top it off, she didn't even keep it on her. She put it on top of the fridge and then when her stalker/s were in her house, she was defenseless.
Before people come at me about the fridge, I realize she had young kids and that this was probably a way for it to be out of reach of them, but she could have kept it in her handbag every time she left the house. I mean, she's terrified someone is watching her and wants is as protections. Yet she keeps it in her kitchen, downstairs, where the danger would most likely be instead of being prepared?
To top off all her stupidity, Laurie finally escapes her danger and then decides that she still doesn't want Cal and gets engaged to her ex-husband's brother. Aside from the fact that her kids would have truly suffered, she deserved Stuart.
Cal I loved. A firefighter dealing with PTSD after he failed to save a little girl, Cal is first shown teaching fire safety to a school assembly. He has been in love with Laurie since he met her in high school (though I can't for the life of me understand why). So many things about Cal reminded me of my brother. The way he would go outside and just walk whenever he was dealing with things in his head (the man did not do well with staying still). The way he would crack a joke. The way he genuinely cared about people. He took his past failure and taught at schools, nursing homes, etc. He wanted to make sure that other people knew what to do in case of an emergency so there wasn't another incident like the one he witnessed.
Laurie's kids were a prime example of plot helpers. They served no purpose in my opinion except to show that Laurie was now a mom and Cal would step up to the plate to be a father to them. Other than that, they were just ornaments. If you want to have kids in your novel, make them mean more. I really that they were also a catalyst to try and show God's love to Laurie, but it just felt like an afterthought in the way it was done.
The God aspect was done ok to me. It didn't come across heavy handed, but I think it could have been a little better. The side characters were a nice addition to the story. Ray, Cal's friend was by far a great character and I enjoyed the scenes he was in. Cal being a dog lover felt natural, especially since he would explore the woods and roam all the time.
Overall my impression of this book was meh at best. It had major potential and I think it could have lived up to it if Laurie would have been written with a working brain instead of just looks. I'm a fan of happy endings, but I just felt that Cal deserved so much better in the end.
With that said, this was not my favorite depiction of the genre, and that comes down to primarily Laurie. I loathed her as a character. I'm usually very forgiving with female characters but Laurie can only be classified as "too stupid to live". I get that she has hurts and that she is just trying to find her place in the world, but she was just ANNOYING. The woman couldn't do anything right in my opinion. I mean, she tells her mom she wants to borrow her father's gun and then is too what, embarrassed or scared, to have it in front of her kids. That whole scene where she bought bullets for the thing was ridiculous and then to top it off, she didn't even keep it on her. She put it on top of the fridge and then when her stalker/s were in her house, she was defenseless.
Before people come at me about the fridge, I realize she had young kids and that this was probably a way for it to be out of reach of them, but she could have kept it in her handbag every time she left the house. I mean, she's terrified someone is watching her and wants is as protections. Yet she keeps it in her kitchen, downstairs, where the danger would most likely be instead of being prepared?
To top off all her stupidity, Laurie finally escapes her danger and then decides that she still doesn't want Cal and gets engaged to her ex-husband's brother. Aside from the fact that her kids would have truly suffered, she deserved Stuart.
Cal I loved. A firefighter dealing with PTSD after he failed to save a little girl, Cal is first shown teaching fire safety to a school assembly. He has been in love with Laurie since he met her in high school (though I can't for the life of me understand why). So many things about Cal reminded me of my brother. The way he would go outside and just walk whenever he was dealing with things in his head (the man did not do well with staying still). The way he would crack a joke. The way he genuinely cared about people. He took his past failure and taught at schools, nursing homes, etc. He wanted to make sure that other people knew what to do in case of an emergency so there wasn't another incident like the one he witnessed.
Laurie's kids were a prime example of plot helpers. They served no purpose in my opinion except to show that Laurie was now a mom and Cal would step up to the plate to be a father to them. Other than that, they were just ornaments. If you want to have kids in your novel, make them mean more. I really that they were also a catalyst to try and show God's love to Laurie, but it just felt like an afterthought in the way it was done.
The God aspect was done ok to me. It didn't come across heavy handed, but I think it could have been a little better. The side characters were a nice addition to the story. Ray, Cal's friend was by far a great character and I enjoyed the scenes he was in. Cal being a dog lover felt natural, especially since he would explore the woods and roam all the time.
Overall my impression of this book was meh at best. It had major potential and I think it could have lived up to it if Laurie would have been written with a working brain instead of just looks. I'm a fan of happy endings, but I just felt that Cal deserved so much better in the end.
December 14, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book, but they are largely my own preferences and not a true reflection on the book.
The positives: The author did a great job with the writing. The characters both started in dark, almost hopeless places and were able to find God and move toward His restorative power in their own ways and their own timing. Their individual battles were believable and deeply felt, and she clearly did a lot of research on fire and fire safety to be able to write those aspects of the book.
My Hesitation: My primary hesitation is largely that this book is so heavy for so long, not my typical choice for reading. It's more emotional than action packed, which I know some people love. So I understand why it received such high praise from many. Additionally, I read the ebook, and the formatting had issues--words with random spaces in the middle of them throughout the book, occasionally pushing the rest of the word down to the next line.
Overall, if I loved emotional reads, it would have easily earned 4-stars.
The positives: The author did a great job with the writing. The characters both started in dark, almost hopeless places and were able to find God and move toward His restorative power in their own ways and their own timing. Their individual battles were believable and deeply felt, and she clearly did a lot of research on fire and fire safety to be able to write those aspects of the book.
My Hesitation: My primary hesitation is largely that this book is so heavy for so long, not my typical choice for reading. It's more emotional than action packed, which I know some people love. So I understand why it received such high praise from many. Additionally, I read the ebook, and the formatting had issues--words with random spaces in the middle of them throughout the book, occasionally pushing the rest of the word down to the next line.
Overall, if I loved emotional reads, it would have easily earned 4-stars.
June 17, 2017
Four stars because yes, this book kept me hanging on. I loved Cal and appreciated the very real struggles he experienced. Reggie was a wonderful character, one whom I would've loved to see more of. I'm finding that in a lot of Christian romance, the love story with God often takes a back seat to some other element. That was the case here as well. The drama was well done, it kept me hanging and waiting for answers. However, aside from the scenes with Reggie, it felt almost like the writer had forgotten that it was supposed to be a Christian novel - and then threw some quick conversions in at the end. Laurie's conversion story felt very rushed and empty. Also, you never get to see what life is like for Cal and Laurie TOGETHER! We waited the whole book to see them together and all we saw was promises that - with what we know about Laurie, may or may not be kept. Overall, still an enjoyable read. Just needed a bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2017
While this book contained many of the tropes that have endeared previous Heitzmann novels to me, I never really engaged with the narrative or either of the main characters. For some reason the characters felt like Heitzmann held them at arms length. This lack of engagement with the main characters peals away anything that might have obscured the one dimensional nature of Heitzmann's villains. I think Heitzmann pours too much effort into making her main characters multidimensional and real that she has no effort left over for the villains/antagonists.
This book did not survive round two of the "purge" of my personal collection.
This book did not survive round two of the "purge" of my personal collection.
June 5, 2017
Love the hero!
Okay, I don't like crime thrillers and this turned out to have some of that which it could have done without, but I loved the way her hero wasn't the usual kind of guy who had his life together. In fact, he was a broken man, but a broken man with a steadfast love of who finds healing and the source of true love. What a neat perspective. Woven into the story you find encouraging truths.
Okay, I don't like crime thrillers and this turned out to have some of that which it could have done without, but I loved the way her hero wasn't the usual kind of guy who had his life together. In fact, he was a broken man, but a broken man with a steadfast love of who finds healing and the source of true love. What a neat perspective. Woven into the story you find encouraging truths.
June 1, 2021
Christian books are pretty much the same. And faith is mostly just little expressions and lots of inviting people to church. That said, this was one of the few Christian romance novels my Mom had around when I was growing up that I revisited, because it had a different feel to it. There was a story to it- Cal and his firefighting past, and trying to move past a true tragedy that people in services do face and have to deal with.
January 16, 2024
This book kept me up past my bedtime and almost made me miss a meeting earlier in the day--need I say more?
While there is suspense and a drug Lord, stuff I normally wouldn't like...what kept me turning pages was the hero. He was a true human hero--living his life to serve and caring, really caring, for his fellow man. And then there were secondary characters who were just as compelling.
And they turned to God. Everything I want in a story.
While there is suspense and a drug Lord, stuff I normally wouldn't like...what kept me turning pages was the hero. He was a true human hero--living his life to serve and caring, really caring, for his fellow man. And then there were secondary characters who were just as compelling.
And they turned to God. Everything I want in a story.
August 21, 2025
Rekindled love
I liked the perseverance of Cal. He suffered from PTSD due to a work related incident but proceeded on trying to divert his mind by being a part of nature&teaching children about fire safety dressed as a clown. He never gave up on his high school sweetheart who brought along problems of her own.Running with her children from a dangerous situation.Laurie&Cals rediscovery of their faith brought them back to each other. A refreshing read of rekindled spirits
I liked the perseverance of Cal. He suffered from PTSD due to a work related incident but proceeded on trying to divert his mind by being a part of nature&teaching children about fire safety dressed as a clown. He never gave up on his high school sweetheart who brought along problems of her own.Running with her children from a dangerous situation.Laurie&Cals rediscovery of their faith brought them back to each other. A refreshing read of rekindled spirits
September 20, 2017
I love the storyline of this book, but I felt that Laurie's character wasn't as developed as it needed to be. That may have been intentional since it seems to be more of Cal's story (but that could also be due to lack of character development). I would like to see the author write a story about Rita (if she hasn't already).
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June 23, 2019The name for this novel is completely inappropriate and has nothing to do with vampires. It is about a fireman with PTSD because of trauma suffered in a fire. It took a while to get through this one. It is not her best work,but okay as a mindless summer read.
February 1, 2018
Too dark/depressing
April 22, 2018
Great book
I love everything Kristen writes. Every book of hers that I've read have been interesting and hard to put down from the very beginning.
I love everything Kristen writes. Every book of hers that I've read have been interesting and hard to put down from the very beginning.
April 23, 2018
Beautiful book It will touch something deep within you
A hero who was deeply wounded. A love that had waited too long. Discovering the answer in Gods love. The greatest gift of all.
A hero who was deeply wounded. A love that had waited too long. Discovering the answer in Gods love. The greatest gift of all.
April 13, 2019
Not one of my favorites of hers, but still a decent read. Every time I read it, it's like the first time, since for some reason I can't remember from reading to reading what the book is about.
March 19, 2020
I don't usually quit a book but I just can't get into this one like other KH books. 25% in but not feeling the characters or storyline.
April 21, 2021
This is a great book
I love this author. The feelings and relationships are so real. The pain and the joy. I love that Jesus is in the middle. Highly recommended.
I love this author. The feelings and relationships are so real. The pain and the joy. I love that Jesus is in the middle. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2022
I'm not big on Christian books even though i read quite a few but i like the story and the characters in this one!!
December 5, 2008
Cal Morrison was the best firefighter the town of Montrose had seen until a tradegy left him with a fear he couldn’t shake. And now...he’s a clown? When Laurie Prelane arrives with her 2 small children in tow, Cal’s memories of a love once shared are stirred even though he’s no longer the person she knew. And maybe she’s not the person he once knew either. She thought marriage could give her everything she desired but now she’s alone. And why has she returned? Can Cal be her hero when danger has followed her back home threatening those she holds most dear? Will they become desperate enough to let go of it all and find forgiveness and help in God? The verses and quotes at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch.
December 24, 2008
Cal Morrison was the best firefighter Montrose had seen; until a tragedy left him with a fear he couldn't shake. When Laurie Prelane comes "home", Cal's memories of a love once lost are stirred. He's no longer the person she knew. Why has she returned? Can Cal be the hero she so desperately needs as danger follows her, threatening all she holds dear? This is definitely an emotionally-charged book. A story of two people hurting in different ways as they try to fill that "empty spot" that only Jesus can fill. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone under 16 years of age because of the topics/sins it involves... Also, I felt the book was unbalanced somehow- the beginning and middle seemed long but the ending felt short and rushed in a way.
April 10, 2009
Meh. Cheesy story with typical ending. I really disliked the fact that although it was laced with religious talk, God was portrayed as kind of the "big grandpa in the sky" that just looks down on you and fixes things. While God is certainly a "fixer," there is a lot more to being a Christian than just looking heavenward when you're in a bind. This was better than the typical cheesy love story in that the characters had some depth, but the whole book was just frustrating to me. Do people really act like this? Do things like this really happen? CHEESE.
July 15, 2024
I wanted to like this, but I kept thinking it might be as good as The Protector, by Dee Henderson which is also a firefighter book. It wasn't and that ruined it for me.
I didn't like Laurie at all. She used Cal all the way through the book, knowing full well he loved her. Then when something huge happens, her way of thanking a man who wants all of her is to offer only her body?? Ugh. This was awful.
Cal was a wonderful man that deserved way better than this unfeeling user. An author really needs to make main characters relatable, and redeeming.
I don't recommend this book.
I didn't like Laurie at all. She used Cal all the way through the book, knowing full well he loved her. Then when something huge happens, her way of thanking a man who wants all of her is to offer only her body?? Ugh. This was awful.
Cal was a wonderful man that deserved way better than this unfeeling user. An author really needs to make main characters relatable, and redeeming.
I don't recommend this book.
November 21, 2018
I struggled to anchor myself to the story from the beginning, when I felt it started almost in the middle of something, instead of at the beginning? I enjoyed many of the moments between Cal & Laurie, but I found myself getting annoyed with most of the secondary characters because they were just so...heavy handed with their opinions. The faith bits, for the most part, felt (to me) trite when I read them, but then again, I've never been a fan of being preached at in a book, so...there's that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews