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Falling
The Fragile Line Series
Book 3~ Falling
Sadie makes one bad decision after another. Full of regret and longing for the life she left behind, she falls into the deep end of her addiction and escalating depression. A domino effect of events sets forth and Sadie realizes she doesn’t want to live this way anymore, but it just might be too late to change her mind. Consumed by heartbreak and loss, Sadie’s sanity balances on a fragile line.
After being hurt too many times, Jenny has a wall around her heart, vowing to let no one in, especially not Sadie. When plotting revenge for those who hurt her backfires, and she finds herself falling, the wall around her heart breaking down. Memories of what she lost are fading, being replaced by new, enchanting ones, pulling her fragile heart in two directions.
Content drug/alcohol abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, suicidal/homicidal ideation, death/dying, pregnancy/abortion/miscarriage, swearing
Readers of The Fragile Line Series can enjoy either Beautiful or Damaged as their first book or jump right into Falling . Beautiful and Damaged tell Sadie and Jenny’s separate stories before their friendship begins in Falling .
Book 3~ Falling
Sadie makes one bad decision after another. Full of regret and longing for the life she left behind, she falls into the deep end of her addiction and escalating depression. A domino effect of events sets forth and Sadie realizes she doesn’t want to live this way anymore, but it just might be too late to change her mind. Consumed by heartbreak and loss, Sadie’s sanity balances on a fragile line.
After being hurt too many times, Jenny has a wall around her heart, vowing to let no one in, especially not Sadie. When plotting revenge for those who hurt her backfires, and she finds herself falling, the wall around her heart breaking down. Memories of what she lost are fading, being replaced by new, enchanting ones, pulling her fragile heart in two directions.
Content drug/alcohol abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, suicidal/homicidal ideation, death/dying, pregnancy/abortion/miscarriage, swearing
Readers of The Fragile Line Series can enjoy either Beautiful or Damaged as their first book or jump right into Falling . Beautiful and Damaged tell Sadie and Jenny’s separate stories before their friendship begins in Falling .
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
12 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dawson Powell
18 books28 followersSarah Dawson Powell was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, and currently lives in Central Illinois with her kidlings and too many cats. Her hobbies include doing laundry, washing dishes, petting cats, writing, reading, and talking to kids who have selective hearing. In her spare time, she enjoys working sixty hours a week, sleeping, and drinking lots of coffee. When she grows up, she wants to change the world.
Sarah has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and has worked in social services since graduating. Her life hasn't always been peachy, but she's made the best of every situation. No one likes to talk about the dark side of life- addiction, domestic violence, abortion, rape, teen pregnancy, suicide, mental illness, child abuse & neglect, etc.- so she decided to write books that would give people a glimpse inside of this world. She hopes her readers take something away from her stories and loves to interact with them on social media.
Follow Sarah on Facebook for subpar stolen memes & occasional updates about her books/writing:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahdawsonpowell
Twitter: @sarahpowell8
Instagram: sarah_dawson_powell
Sarah has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and has worked in social services since graduating. Her life hasn't always been peachy, but she's made the best of every situation. No one likes to talk about the dark side of life- addiction, domestic violence, abortion, rape, teen pregnancy, suicide, mental illness, child abuse & neglect, etc.- so she decided to write books that would give people a glimpse inside of this world. She hopes her readers take something away from her stories and loves to interact with them on social media.
Follow Sarah on Facebook for subpar stolen memes & occasional updates about her books/writing:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahdawsonpowell
Twitter: @sarahpowell8
Instagram: sarah_dawson_powell
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 30, 2016
OBSESSED! I am obsessed with this series! Book 2 was a great as Book 1 which, in my opinion, is rare for a series. Sadie's story is a train wreck that you just can't tear yourself away from. This is a delicious soap opera in book form and I can't get enough! I love all the characters and how their lives are so intermixed and complicated. I loved the completely unexpected plot twist that I truly did not see coming. I devoured this book in 3 days and if I didn't have a job, I would have plowed through in a matter of hours. I can't wait to see what Book 3 has in store for this group.
March 20, 2024
Intriguing, Gripping, Intense
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/ Young Adult Fiction - Themes of violence and addiction
'Falling': Book Three of 'The Fragile Lines Series by Sarah Dawson Powell- author
💊 🍷🍾
The Bully, The Unstable Addict, The Tease, The Vulnerable Unfit Mother, The Exploited......
Five individuals who, between each other have built up a web of lies, deceit and heart-break, whose connections and bonds are so intricately woven and yet so delicate that it can only be a matter of time before it all comes tumbling down around them.
Sadie seemingly still feels that she is unable to survive without Ryan, even though the opposite may be nearer to the truth. However, in his absence, she demonstrates no loyalty. How will she react when she realises that her fall back plan, is no longer an option?
Jenny is unsure if she can or even should remain true to Alex; after all 'he left her, didn't he'? Whilst also knowing that stability is key in re-gaining her maternal status, she is struggling with her conscience.
Ryan, still unable to keep his temperament under control, a disturbing element now deeply rooted in him from his time in the Marines, triggered by his girlfriend's reckless and erratic behaviour and thriving on the control and empowerment it gives him. Just how far will he go if Sadie no longer cares enough to hide her misdemeanours?
Corey, normally the king of casual hook ups....has he now met the girl to change all that and does she feel the same?
And Trevor, caught in the cross fire of all the other's actions, reluctant to get involved, but finding it hard to resist, when he can foresee what could befall this fractured and easily broken dynamic of misfits.
Book Three is definitely more hard hitting than one and two.
As Sadie becomes immune to Ryan's actions, and with the loss that she experiences this time around, she starts to care less about what happens to her. Ryan therefore increases his hold on his girlfriend to terrifying levels as he realises that her apathy is not only dangerous but potentially could extinguish his control over her. For me, this development was very hard to read and I found parts quite disturbing.
Sadie and Jenny continue to frustrate me; Sadie knows the situation she is in, is every kind of wrong, but seems to see it as some form of self-atonement. She has moments of realising she can't and shouldn't stay, but then reverts back to feeling that she owes it to Ryan, and uses that as an excuse not to leave him, despite all the offers of help that she receives. Sadie frequently changes her mind about her feelings for Ryan, and in doing so, seems to find it easy to turn to other men for comfort. She manipulates her own feelings in order to justify her actions. However, the volatile pair are fighting and then acting as nothing has happened so rapidly, that it actually becomes ridiculously amusing, particularly the fight in the car. I personally find Sadie and Ryan's situation to be the most Intriguing. 🍕🥣
I feel that Jenny desperately wants to settle down and commit to someone, but has had so many rejections & let downs over the last decade, she is fearful of doing so. She came so close with Alex, but he he had other priorities and left, and even though they remain in touch, and he promises all that she wants on his return, I think that in the back of her mind, she still feels rejected that he didn't choose to stay and therefore that is her justification in seeking solice elsewhere. She in insecure whether in or out of a relationship, and the men that she has chosen to this point, just haven't been able to fulfill that need......and in all this, is she thinking of Angel? 👶
Corey and Trevor are characters with whom I don't feel that I've formed any kind of connection with as yet.
Corey has done the right thing for himself in terms of Sadie, but I feel his strength of feeling for Jenny may never be reciprocated in the same way. It will be interesting to see how that develops. 👱🏼♂️👦
Trevor is far more savvy than I think the others realise and he uses this to his advantage. However, he is only human and still has his weak points and I do wonder if he will be able to keep them in check. He is only too aware of the consequences.
I am very intrigued to see where these character's stories lead, and what eventually happens with them. I may have to binge the books left at some point. Despite their frustrating, unpleasant and sometimes selfish actions, I am very fond of Sarah's cast of characters, and hope the best for them.❤
As with every novel, Sarah Dawson Powell presents us with a well written thoughtful novel with expressive dialogue. I love her cover designs and the layout of the beginning of each new chapters. 📖
Genres: Contemporary Fiction/ Young Adult Fiction - Themes of violence and addiction
'Falling': Book Three of 'The Fragile Lines Series by Sarah Dawson Powell- author
💊 🍷🍾
The Bully, The Unstable Addict, The Tease, The Vulnerable Unfit Mother, The Exploited......
Five individuals who, between each other have built up a web of lies, deceit and heart-break, whose connections and bonds are so intricately woven and yet so delicate that it can only be a matter of time before it all comes tumbling down around them.
Sadie seemingly still feels that she is unable to survive without Ryan, even though the opposite may be nearer to the truth. However, in his absence, she demonstrates no loyalty. How will she react when she realises that her fall back plan, is no longer an option?
Jenny is unsure if she can or even should remain true to Alex; after all 'he left her, didn't he'? Whilst also knowing that stability is key in re-gaining her maternal status, she is struggling with her conscience.
Ryan, still unable to keep his temperament under control, a disturbing element now deeply rooted in him from his time in the Marines, triggered by his girlfriend's reckless and erratic behaviour and thriving on the control and empowerment it gives him. Just how far will he go if Sadie no longer cares enough to hide her misdemeanours?
Corey, normally the king of casual hook ups....has he now met the girl to change all that and does she feel the same?
And Trevor, caught in the cross fire of all the other's actions, reluctant to get involved, but finding it hard to resist, when he can foresee what could befall this fractured and easily broken dynamic of misfits.
Book Three is definitely more hard hitting than one and two.
As Sadie becomes immune to Ryan's actions, and with the loss that she experiences this time around, she starts to care less about what happens to her. Ryan therefore increases his hold on his girlfriend to terrifying levels as he realises that her apathy is not only dangerous but potentially could extinguish his control over her. For me, this development was very hard to read and I found parts quite disturbing.
Sadie and Jenny continue to frustrate me; Sadie knows the situation she is in, is every kind of wrong, but seems to see it as some form of self-atonement. She has moments of realising she can't and shouldn't stay, but then reverts back to feeling that she owes it to Ryan, and uses that as an excuse not to leave him, despite all the offers of help that she receives. Sadie frequently changes her mind about her feelings for Ryan, and in doing so, seems to find it easy to turn to other men for comfort. She manipulates her own feelings in order to justify her actions. However, the volatile pair are fighting and then acting as nothing has happened so rapidly, that it actually becomes ridiculously amusing, particularly the fight in the car. I personally find Sadie and Ryan's situation to be the most Intriguing. 🍕🥣
I feel that Jenny desperately wants to settle down and commit to someone, but has had so many rejections & let downs over the last decade, she is fearful of doing so. She came so close with Alex, but he he had other priorities and left, and even though they remain in touch, and he promises all that she wants on his return, I think that in the back of her mind, she still feels rejected that he didn't choose to stay and therefore that is her justification in seeking solice elsewhere. She in insecure whether in or out of a relationship, and the men that she has chosen to this point, just haven't been able to fulfill that need......and in all this, is she thinking of Angel? 👶
Corey and Trevor are characters with whom I don't feel that I've formed any kind of connection with as yet.
Corey has done the right thing for himself in terms of Sadie, but I feel his strength of feeling for Jenny may never be reciprocated in the same way. It will be interesting to see how that develops. 👱🏼♂️👦
Trevor is far more savvy than I think the others realise and he uses this to his advantage. However, he is only human and still has his weak points and I do wonder if he will be able to keep them in check. He is only too aware of the consequences.
I am very intrigued to see where these character's stories lead, and what eventually happens with them. I may have to binge the books left at some point. Despite their frustrating, unpleasant and sometimes selfish actions, I am very fond of Sarah's cast of characters, and hope the best for them.❤
As with every novel, Sarah Dawson Powell presents us with a well written thoughtful novel with expressive dialogue. I love her cover designs and the layout of the beginning of each new chapters. 📖
January 11, 2024
Book 3, I feel absolutely terrible for Sadie, the poor girl. I hate that Sadie thinks everything is her fault and that she deserves the way Ryan treats her. So glad everyone is catching on to Ryan’s behavior, god I hate him so much! Everyone sees what is going on but they aren’t putting enough effort to help Sadie. Ugh of course when Sadie calls Aaron to tell him she is ready, this happens. I still holding on to how for Sadie and even Jenny. They could both really use some help and direction. Can’t wait to read the next book.
October 30, 2025
This entire series was tough to read. There should be some trigger warnings about excessive drinking, sexual assault and domestic abuse. I read the first two but this one I just couldn’t finish. The amount of abuse these girls do to themselves and allow others to do to them brought up bad memories for me.
February 10, 2018
Another Great Read
Couldn't put this book down. Well written, drew me in and opened my eyes to some of the struggles of physical and mental abuse. Looking forward to reading the next book!
Couldn't put this book down. Well written, drew me in and opened my eyes to some of the struggles of physical and mental abuse. Looking forward to reading the next book!
January 19, 2024
This book stepped the drama!! I just can't believe how everyone is intertwined and how they all have their blinders on! The heartache is for real! I've never met such messed up characters but I'm here for it!!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews