Synopsis:
Annie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race.
But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart. With every mile that athletic Jeremiah cheers her on, she grows more conflicted. She wants to run into his arms…and sprint in the opposite direction. For Annie, opening up to love again may be even more of a challenge than crossing the finish line.
“Breathe, Annie, Breathe is an emotional, heartfelt, and beautiful story about finding yourself after loss and learning to love. It gave me so many feels. Her best book yet.” — Jennifer Armentrout, New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You
Excerpt:
Six Months Until the Music City Marathon
As a kid, I had the worst mile time ever.
Our gym teacher made us run the mile a few times a year for something called the Presidential Fitness Test. I’d huff and puff and wonder why the hell President Bush cared how fast I could run laps around the playground. I always came in dead last.
Most of the boys could run a mile in eight or nine minutes. The girls usually came in around ten. And there I was, scooting in at over thirteen minutes. Truth be told, running bored the hell out of me. I’d rather have been doing word problems.
Today I’m running five miles along the Little Duck River. If I finish, this will be the farthest I’ve ever run. I know I’ll finish—there’s no way I can give up.
Because I’m doing this for him.
At mile 3.5, my running coach rides up next to me on his bike. Matt Brown is twenty-four and owns a program that trains people to run marathons. Some people on my team are running because it’s a life-long dream, some want to lose weight, and the others, like me, haven’t told anyone why they’re doing this.
“How’s it goin’, Annie?” Matt asks.
“Oo-kkay.” Great. The lack of air is making me stutter. I can’t breathe.
“You’re Jordan’s friend, right?”
If you consider the school’s new football coach my friend. “She s-signed me up for your program, y-yeah.”
He hops off his bike and pushes it along beside me. I can’t believe he walks as fast as I run. “You need anything? Water? Tylenol? Vaseline?”
“Vaseline?”
He shrugs. “Yeah, for chafing. Are you having any issues?”
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would ask if I’m chafing. “No, thanks.”
I shuffle, one foot after the other, trying to run like Matt taught me at the beginning of today’s session. Keep my toes facing forward. Move my arms back and forth. Breathe in through my nose, out through my mouth. Pain pierces my side.
“What’s your pace so far today?”
I glance at my new watch, tempted to lie and say I’m doing nine-minute miles. “About twelve-minutes a m-mile.”
“Not bad. When you’re doing these long runs on the weekend, make sure you run your miles a minute slower than you usually do on your short runs.”
I can’t imagine going any more slowly than this, but I nod as Matt climbs back aboard his bike. “See you at the finish line.”
I must’ve accidentally inhaled glue or something when I signed up for the Music City Marathon.
#
I’m at 4.5 miles.
In through my nose, out through my mouth.
In through my nose, out through my mouth.
Point my toes.
Check my watch. I’ve slowed to a 14-minute mile. I’m going about as fast as that cloud, lazily inching across the blue sky. Half a mile to go.
A gorgeous woman with olive-toned skin and bouncy brown curls jogs up next to me, wearing a pink ID bracelet. Matt makes everybody on our team wear them so he can identify us and get in touch with our emergency contacts, just in case.
“Damn. Our coach is fine.”
“Maybe that’s the point,” I reply, sucking in a breath. “He trains us by making us chase after him.”
The lady chuckles. “You’re probably right.” She speeds up and within the minute, I can’t see her anymore. Not a surprise. Every time I start running, I get a great lead, but then it’s like a parachute opens behind me.
Swaying willow trees and trickling water lead me along the dirt path back toward my car, which is parked at the mouth of the Little Duck. Today’s run is peaceful, but not boring. Considering how much stuff I have to think about, like drinking the right amount of water, looking for mile markers and studying my watch, there’s not much time left to obsess about graduation, or college, or him.
Instead I can focus on this new CamelBak water-hydration device I’m wearing like a backpack. It kind of looks like a bong. I slip the plastic tube in my mouth and sip some water, pretending I’m taking a hit. Kyle would laugh at how ridiculous I’m being.
Stop thinking about him. Stop already.
Breathe in, breathe out.
I bet that when I start the longer distances this summer, running upwards of fifteen to twenty miles on a Saturday morning, I’ll have even more stuff to obsess over to distract me. Like chafing and Vaseline and continent-sized blisters.
One foot after the other. In through the nose, out through the mouth. I inhale the springy smell of dandelions. They dot the grass like gold coins.
“On your left!”
A boy streaks by me, running backwards. He settles directly in front of me and goes even faster. Wow, he has such vivid light blue eyes—I nearly lose my footing at the sight of them.
“Are you freaking kidding me?” I gasp.
He grins and slows to a jog. “What?”
I look for his pink bracelet, and finding none, I blurt, “You’re running faster than me and I’m going forwards!”
“So speed up then!”
What an ass.
“C’mon.” He tosses his head from side to side, acting like one of those macho guys on a cheesy exercise show. “Let’s go. Faster now. Work it out, girl! Let’s go.”
I flip him the bird. He throws his head back and laughs.
“Stop that!” I say.
“Stop what? Laughing at you?”
“Running backwards. It’s unsafe.”
“No it’s not. Besides, I have to. I’m training for the RC Cola Moon Pie ten-miler. I’m running it backwards this year.”
My mouth falls open. It shocks me that 1) he’s running a race backwards, 2) it’s named after RC Cola and Moon Pies, and 3) he’s running a ten-mile race more than one time.
The guy has messy light brown hair, seriously muscular arms and legs, and an outline of his abs peeks through his thin white Delta Tau Kappa tee. Is he in a frat?
Even though I usually can’t hear Southern accents, I notice his. One time when I was little, my mom, brother and I took a road trip to Chicago. Everywhere we stopped to eat, waitresses kept telling me I had the most darling accent. That’s how I know people in Tennessee have an accent even if I can’t hear it; it’s weird I can pick up on the twangy countryness in his voice.
He keeps shuffling backwards. Our eyes meet, then he checks me out. It’s been a while since a boy has straight up stared at me. His gaze trails over my long strawberry blond hair tied up in a ponytail, to my legs, and then settles on my pink bracelet. He smiles at it.
“See ya.” He increases his cadence, continuing in reverse. I glance down at my watch. I bet he’s running eight-minute miles. And he’s doing it fucking backwards.
Being pissed at Running Backwards Boy carries me for another couple minutes.
But soon I’m alone again. Just me and the sky. Kyle’s grin flashes in my mind.
A quarter mile more.
One foot after the other.
Breathe, Annie, breathe.
***
Petra
Really enjoyed the excerpt. Looking forward to it 🙂
Patti
Is this in the Hundred Oaks series? And she’s in college..?
Miranda Kenneally
@patti Yes, it’s a Hundred Oaks book. It starts in high school and follows her to college.
Allie
Would this happen to be book number 5? i really enjoy your writing… my favorite was definately Things I Cant Forget.. SO GOOD! But all your books i just cannot seem to put down. Please keep writing. Youre such a great inspiration.
Miranda Kenneally
@Allie Thanks for your kind words. Yes it is book 5.
Madison
I love your books………..are you going to write book number six?
Miranda Kenneally
@Madison Yes, I am working on a 6th book that is under contract.
Erin
Seriously cannot wait for this book!!!!!
Kate
I love your books! They are easily my favorite books in the world, and I made a library in my closet so I read a lot of books. Please keep writing Hundred Oaks books, and I would love to get your autograph. Could I have your snail mail address?
Becky
I love all your Hundred Oaks book, i hope you keep writing more!!!! Are we gonna hear even more about the other characters? Im a huge Jordan and Henry fan and i just want to know more about them!!!! But i love all your characters soo much!!! finding your books was one of the best things I’ve done this past year!!! Im in love with them!!
caylyn
I love this series it pulls at your heartstrings and makes you really get into the book. since Jordan is the new football coach does this mean this book is set 4 or 5 years from catching Jordan? and if so I would love to hear what happened to her college career?
Maggie
I love this series!! Can’t wait for Breathe, Annie, Breathe! I just got finished with Racing Savannah, and I was so happy to read about Parker and Will getting married and Kate and Matt are engaged and Jordan and Sam Henry are back together from their breakup. Also, I was happy to learn that Joe Carter did persue his love of cooking by opening a restuarant. In general, I just loved the book because it had new characters that were connected with the original characters from the first three books in the series. I love that Ty’s sister Vanessa is dating Will’s brother Rory Whitfield, and I am happy that in the end Jack finally stepped up to his father and Savannah’s father by showing Savannah how mush he cares for her!! Also, does Colton have a sleeping disorder or does he just love sleeping? And is Kelsey going to be in the new book since she was supposedly Annie’s friend?
Please keep up the good work!!
Bia
I really enjoy reading your books and i just loved the excerpt!
Are you planning on writing a book which the main sport is soccer?
Kat
I love your books! They allow me to escape into a new world. Your books have inspired me and my team mates in so many ways. We love how u take serious athletes and show them in the best of both worlds, dedicated and aloud to have fun outside of the sport as well. Never stop writing and please keep up your sense of humor with in the books. Can’t wait for your new books! ( I wish u could write about a gymnast)
Samantha
Which previous characters are in this book? And just out of curiosity, I’m a big hockey fan, any hcokey books in the near future? 😀
Miranda Kenneally
@Becky Yes – you’ll get to see more of Jordan and Henry in my future books, including my upcoming book BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE.
Miranda Kenneally
@caylyn Like in RACING SAVANNAH, my book BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE takes place about 5 years after Catching Jordan.
Miranda Kenneally
@Maggie Thanks for your enthusiasm! Colton doesn’t have a sleeping disorder – he just likes sleeping. When I first met my husband he said one of his hobbies was sleeping and I always found that funny. And yes – Kelsey will be a big character in BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE.
Miranda Kenneally
@Bia Thanks! I played soccer in high school, so I have considered writing a book about soccer. I am not sure when/if I’ll do this.
Miranda Kenneally
@Kat Thanks! I’m so happy you like my books. If you are looking for a book about a gymnast, I know that Julie Cross has a book. I haven’t read it yet though.
Miranda Kenneally
@Samantha You’ll get to see a bunch of the characters from RACING SAVANNAH and a few from CATCHING JORDAN and THINGS I CAN’T FORGET in this book. 🙂
Emma
I just finished reading your second book. I loved it! I’m also a big time hockey player, any hockey books coming out?
Miranda Kenneally
@Emma I don’t have any plans to write a hockey book, but I do watch a lot of hockey! My husband is a Bruins fan.
Caylyn
Thanks your books are amazing when I read catching Jordan I was so thrilled to see a female in such a huge roll by being the quaterback and guys respecting that it’s in all your books the female takes charge and girls of this generation really need to see things like this so thank you I can’t wait til the next book comes out us breathe Anne breathe in the same year as racing savannah??
Miranda Kenneally
@Caylyn BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE takes place in the spring and summer following Racing Savannah. In fact, the main character Annie graduates from high school and goes to college during the book.
Amanda
Look your book so much! I read Racing Savannah in one night and didn’t look to pretty for work the next day! Haha. Anyway looking forward to Breathe Annie Breathe and more of some of the other characters a well. When will Henry and Jordan get married? Also how many more books will be in the Hundred Oaks series?
Miranda Kenneally
@Amanda Thanks for your kind words! To answer your questions about Henry and Jordan and how many books will there be, I honestly don’t know yet!
Kaitlin
I love catching Jordan and I was wondering what order the books go in. I love the excerpt and i cant wait to read the other books in your Hundred Oaks series
Molly
I am so excited for your new book! Please keep writing great books like this! They made me love reading and I read them over and over! You are my favorite author! Thank you for writing these OUTSTANDING books!
Sarah
Hello!
I love your books so much and I wish there will be a lot more in the Hundred Oaks serie. I also love a lot the book covers of the Hundred Oaks serie and I’m kind of sad that it won’t be the same thing for the Breath, Annie, Breath one…but I’m sure the book will be really good as all the others. Also, me too I would really love a book about hockey, it would be fun to see a girl in a hockey team because there’s not that much girls that play hockey. So, continue to write such good books and I can’t wait for the next one!
Sarah Drake
You are my absurd favorite author! Your books are so inspiring and I finished Racing Savannah in 2 sittings. I am a big city girl but at heart I think I’m supposed to be a small town girl. Are you planning on writing any other series? Is it a lot of pressure being an author? I have considered going into writing and even have a few ideas for books of my own, but I’m scared that I won’t be good enough. You have something that a lot of other authors don’t and I respect you for it. Your books are so realistic and relatable and I just can’t seem to put them down! I’ve even lent them to my friends to read, and we considered getting a book club together for them. I think I have potential as a writer, but my parents want me to pursue a future in science. What do you think I should do? This is something that I’m passionate about, and your books inspire me to keep trying.
Sarah Drake
I meant absolute haha not absurd
Taylor Buchheit
Is this the cover of the book Breathe, Annie, Breathe? I love the covers of all of your books I just wanted to make sure Breathe, Annie, Breathe was that cover! I LOVE all of your books!
Miranda Kenneally
@Taylor Yes, this is the official cover!
Avi
Omg! Miranda, my friends and i looovve your books! we have a book club totally dedicated to only your books. Please dont tell us that Matt leaves Kate for Annie! WE LOVE all of these couples and they give us hope for the future. Keep up the good work!
Miranda Kenneally
@Avi Thanks to you and your friends! Kate and Matt are doing just fine. In this excerpt, Annie just met Matt’s little brother Jeremiah…. 😉
libby
I love the Hundred Oaks series! I think I read them all in 2 days so I can’t bear to wait so long for this one! I love how they all connect with each other in some way 🙂 someone mentioned jordan and sam breaking up then getting back together, when was that? I don’t remember it? I can’t wait for this book, I was hoping Jeremiah would be focused on 🙂 Thanks for writing such great, relateable books Miranda, they are my absolute favourite.
Sam
Is there any chance you could do a book about a girl on her high school swim team I also injoying all your book things I can’t forget and catching Jordan I have read about 60 times each and I am glad to hear Matt brown the mutt is in this book
Sam
Is there going to be any movies about the books I would love to see Things I can’t forget,racing Savannah, and catching Jordan in a move the books are so amazing
Molly
Why is it that the cover for this book is so different from the others in the Hundred oaks spin offs?
Lily Gucfa
Would you ever think about writing books with more cultured people? I’ve never read a good book with an Asian girl, and I love your books! You’re so creative I’d love to be a writer too! Henry and Jordan are my all time favorite couple:3
Alexsis
Just wondering, what made you decide to change up the cover? 🙂
Tiffany Riehle
I LOVE your books soo much and I can’t wait to read the next one. By far you are my favorite author!
Sam
You should do a book on a dancer
Sarah
Sad that it’s not the same kind of cover… 🙁 I loved the others…
Rachel Miller
When will this book be avalible in ebook format?
Miranda Kenneally
@Rachel both the eBook and hardcover release on July 1.
Hannah
Hi miranda! Im super excited for your 5th book! I bought 4 of your books already. And reread all 4 twice. They are so easy and fun to read. I actually finished racing savannah in 4 hours. Please keep writing!!! I am your 24 (turning 25) yrs old fan! Hehe are you having a book tour in san francisco?
Miranda Kenneally
@Lily Thanks! You might try reading Ellen Oh’s books for a story with an Asian girl.
Miranda Kenneally
@Hannah I actually visited San Francisco on tour in late 2012, so I’m not sure if I’ll get there again soon. I hope so – it’s a beautiful city!