Held Between Breath and Death: A True Story of Divine Sovereignty
About this audiobook
ABOUT THE BOOK: In Held Between Breath and Death, Dr. Bart Dahmer recounts an astonishing medical odyssey that is so implausible it reads like fiction—and yet every detail is true. Over the course of months, he endured a cascade of medical crises: cardiac collapse, traumatic brain injury, and vascular failure, each so catastrophic that survival seemed impossible. Time and again, he hovered at the fragile boundary between breath and death.
Drawn from extensive medical records, firsthand experience, and the testimonies of those who stood beside him, Dahmer’s account is deeply personal and profoundly moving. Through it all, he presents a masterful narrative where scientific respect, heartfelt honesty, and spiritual clarity live in harmony. Dahmer honors the brilliant and innovative physicians, medical teams, and technologies that sustained him—while also bearing witness to the moments when medicine reached its limits and the Author of Life made a way.
Written with intellectual rigor, emotional depth, and captivating prose, Dahmer weaves a thrilling and thought-provoking story that will linger long and deep. For readers who have wondered whether science and faith can coexist, this compelling, true account invites both mind and soul to consider the answer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Bart Dahmer is an author, speaker, and former corporate leader at FedEx, where he led large global teams across a variety of disciplines. He has spoken about leadership, information systems, and HR at universities, conferences, and companies across the U.S. and in Europe and Asia. He holds advanced degrees in industrial-organizational psychology, information systems, and HR, including a doctorate from Vanderbilt. In 2008, he became the founder and CEO of Innovo Publishing, serving the global Christian and wholesome publishing markets. A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, Bart serves as a church deacon, Bible teacher, counselor, and trustee. He lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, Sharon, and remains deeply grateful for God, family, and laughter—greeting each new day as a gift to cherish and steward well.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR HELD BETWEEN BREATH AND DEATH:
“As the attending neurosurgeon who operated on Bart, I can offer something few endorsers can: I was there. His clinical presentation was serious, and the road ahead was uncertain. Medicine asks us to explain outliers, and sometimes the honest answer is that our understanding has limits. Held Between Breath and Death does not ask the reader to abandon reason; it asks them to remain curious. That is something I can wholeheartedly stand behind.” —Dr. Nickalus Khan, Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
“Survival in cases like Bart Dahmer’s is never the result of a single moment—it is the sum of many decisions, many hands, and a great deal of perseverance. This memoir captures that reality with insight and sincerity. It speaks to the fragility of life, the importance of those who stand beside us, and the resilience required to move forward. It is an intense, thoughtful, and deeply hopeful story, where love and respect for science, medicine, and God live in remarkable harmony.” —Dr. Shaun Stickley, Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon
“This book is a compelling blend of hyper-realism and biblical empathy, offering a powerful glimpse into the life-and-death experience of a patient facing multisystem organ crisis. As an emergency and critical care nurse with more than fifty years of experience, I found every event, conversation, and emotion strikingly authentic. This is a book that every patient, family member, and healthcare professional involved in critical care should read.” —Mark Klimek, MSN, RN; CEO and Instructor, Klimek Reviews; Professor Emeritus of Nursing, Cedarville University; Nationally Recognized NCLEX Educator
“Having walked with and prayed for Bart and Sharon through emergency surgeries, intensive care, and what often seemed like certain death, I witnessed firsthand what it means to be held in the hands of the living God. Their steadfast trust in Him and unwavering love for each other offer a powerful example of hope in the midst of chaos and create a platform to share the love of Christ with others. Held Between Breath and Death is a gripping story that proclaims a glorious truth: the sovereign God is the maker and sustainer of life.” —Dr. Matt Brown, Senior Pastor, Germantown Baptist Church
“As Bart Dahmer’s cardiologist, I came to know him after the extraordinary medical events recounted in Act I of this book. From a clinical standpoint, the odds of surviving a left ventricular puncture in a cath lab—followed by the cascade of life-threatening complications that ensued—were remarkably low. And yet, Bart survived. What impressed me even more than his survival was the spirit with which he endured it all. Throughout his recovery, Bart consistently carried a steadiness, gratitude, and hopeful outlook that left a lasting impression on everyone involved in his care. Held Between Breath and Death is far more than a medical story. It is a thoughtful and deeply human memoir that honors both the power of modern medicine and the deeper realities of faith, grace, resilience, and the will to keep living. Honest, moving, and ultimately life-affirming, Bart’s story is one that will remain with readers long after the final page. I am grateful to have been part of his journey and honored to recommend this remarkable book.” —Dr. Bashar Shala, Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist
“Unfortunately, many do not have the foresight that fortitude and faith bestow on us in times of hardship. This book highlights the hope and courage that faith and family give us, making a bleak situation into one of joy and gratitude with the grace that only Jesus Christ can give.” —Dr. Rick Sievers, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Eye Surgeon
“I thank Bart for the extremely kind words he used towards me in this book, where he told his remarkable story. I am so happy that we were able to help him and that he is doing so well. I have no doubts that the immense love that I have always seen in his family (among him, his wife, and his children) has been key to his recovery. It is the most beautiful thing I have always experienced whenever I have been with them and still every time I think of them.” —Dr. Carlo Maria Rosati, Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon
"... This book invites readers into that sacred space, where the Dahmer family encountered God in real and transformative ways. It offers a compelling glimpse of His hand at work through Bart Dahmer’s suffering—revealing His power and faithfulness in deeply personal ways. I was left in awe of God’s grace, so evident in Bart’s most difficult season. If you want a front-row view of God’s intervention in suffering, this book is for you. Like me, I believe your response will be worship. You will grow in your understanding of God’s goodness, His purposes in suffering, and His love—even when life feels fragile. This story calls us to seek God in hard places and trust Him when life feels beyond our control. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9).” —Dr. Charles Fowler, President, Carson-Newman University
“Held Between Breath and Death is compelling. It explores how physical, mental, and spiritual health are so intrinsically intertwined. Bart invites readers to reconsider the remarkable qualities that make us human and to reflect on our place in this world. The scientific expertise blends well with Bart’s wry humor. Without excess sentimentality, Bart challenges and inspires us with an important question: How can we grow and change without condemning? An extraordinary man . . . an extraordinary journey.” —Dr. Ann Coffey, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP); Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP)
“I had the privilege of being directly involved in Dr. Dahmer’s treatment during one of multiple life-threatening emergencies. The events described in this book reflect a level of medical complexity and resilience that is rarely captured so clearly. Held Between Breath and Death is an honest and compelling account of survival at the edge of what modern medicine can achieve.” —Dr. David B. Cohen, Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist
“The telling of a personal story can be one of the most challenging of all subjects. Not only is the author aware of every factual detail, but the emotions and interactions with family and friends are all too present. An additional hurdle is to maintain the focus of the story while giving a complete account of the moment. Author Bart Dahmer has accomplished all of this and so much more. In Held Between Breath and Death, he tells a gripping medical story that reads like a dramatic saga and yet keeps his stated focus of giving complete glory to Jesus Christ, the Great Physician and Author and Finisher of our faith. Not only is the book an amazing story, but it is also a faith-building exercise to read. You will be blessed by reading it, and even more, your own faith will be challenged and strengthened. A rare book, indeed!” —Dr. Michael R. Spradlin, President, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
“As a longtime medical drama enthusiast and a physical therapist of more than thirty years, it is difficult to describe how captivating Held Between Breath and Death truly is. This is a powerful story of Bart’s unexpected and medically complex journey, highlighting the skilled and compassionate care he received from many professionals along the way. More than anything, it is a testament to the love of the Great Physician, who first saved his soul and ultimately restored him for the continued work of the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Susan Rook, Physical Therapist
“When Bart first shared his story with me, I listened with astonishment, trying to comprehend all he was telling me. But reading about it in his fantastic new book Held Between Breath and Death brought a completely new perspective. The descriptions are visceral, and I found myself wanting to comfort and protect his family from the running blow-by-blow commentary they were living through in real time. I’ve been an Innovo author and worked with Bart for more than eight years, but this book gave me an even greater insight into his heart as a man of God—and fresh appreciation for the hard-working crew at his publishing company. Do you ever wonder if God will really be faithful to care for your needs? Read this book, and you’ll have your answer.” —Leah Stanley, Author of Goodnight, Sweet: A Caregiver’s Long Goodbye and Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementia: Everything I Wish I Had Known
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About the author
Dr. Bart Dahmer is an author, speaker, and former corporate leader at FedEx, where he led large global teams across a variety of disciplines. He has spoken about leadership, information systems, and HR at universities, conferences, and companies across the U.S. and in Europe and Asia. He holds advanced degrees in industrial-organizational psychology, information systems, and HR, including a doctorate from Vanderbilt. In 2008, he became the founder and CEO of Innovo Publishing, serving the global Christian and wholesome publishing markets. A lifelong follower of Jesus Christ, Bart serves as a church deacon, Bible teacher, counselor, and trustee. He lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, Sharon, and remains deeply grateful for God, family, and laughter—greeting each new day as a gift to cherish and steward well.
This definitive audio edition of Held Between Breath and Death features a meticulously engineered vocal performance by the author, fully optimized for a premium, studio-grade listening experience. Mastered to the highest professional industry standards, this immersive narration delivers the author’s exact insights, pacing, and presence directly to the listener.
A fully integrated Supplemental PDF for Held Between Breath and Death is included to ensure audiobook listeners receive the comprehensive experience intended by the author. Inside the free PDF, you will find every illustration and photograph from the original print edition—including all visual assets supporting Acts 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Epilogue. For medical and academic deep-dives, the PDF contains the complete list of research references used to compose the clinical sidebars featured in Appendix B. Additionally, this reference includes our curated recommendations for further reading on key topics discussed in the Author Interludes, alongside an exclusive catalog of related titles available from Innovo Publishing. Download your companion copy directly through your Google Play library interface to unlock the complete visual and academic landscape of Held Between Breath and Death by Bart Dahmer.
