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Falling Too Deep
Seventeen-year-old Brooke McFadden is having a bad summer. From grieving her father’s death to withdrawing from friends and family, she wants nothing more than to be left alone in her pain and isolation. It doesn’t get any better when she falls from the top deck of the Fairchild yacht into the churning waters of Lake Michigan. The impact knocks her out. When she comes to, she realizes three her head throbs, she’s in her own bed, and it’s the first day of summer…again. Brooke is reeling over what happened. Is it death? Is she unconscious? She has no choice but to relive the summer. As she navigates through the do-over, she tries to put the pieces together, but continually falls short. She knows her dreams are clues, but she doesn’t know if redoing summer will last or if it will have any effect on reality. When her dreams turn to nightmares, and she starts remembering the events of her father’s death, she becomes aware that the end of the summer is approaching. And she has to overcome her past, including her fears, if she is ever going to truly live again.
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Published June 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 26, 2020
This novel was absolutely breathtaking. The characters, the setting, and the personalities were all so beautiful. I am so happy that I read this!
The writing style of the author was so immersive, I could not put this book down! There is an incredible flow throughout, where flashbacks or shifts in time perfectly fit into the storyline. The writing was simple and easy to understand, while simultaneously holding so much emotion and meaning.
The numerous ways in which the characters develop throughout the pages is handled with so much care, and some moments were just so relatable and understandable. I enjoyed watching as Brooke comes to love life and make amends with those who are important to her. The ways in which the characters look at life and change to better themselves was so heartwarming and inspiring. The concept and premise of this story are incredible, and the execution even more so. There was so much to learn from the characters and their experiences, including fostering genuine relationships, conquering fears, and simply being happy. This book makes me want to go back in time and fix my mistakes. especially all of my (many) embarrassing moments :)
The ending just perfectly ties everything together. What an amazing way to end this journey for Brooke and her discoveries in life! I loved every moment of this novel, this was just so beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing style of the author was so immersive, I could not put this book down! There is an incredible flow throughout, where flashbacks or shifts in time perfectly fit into the storyline. The writing was simple and easy to understand, while simultaneously holding so much emotion and meaning.
The numerous ways in which the characters develop throughout the pages is handled with so much care, and some moments were just so relatable and understandable. I enjoyed watching as Brooke comes to love life and make amends with those who are important to her. The ways in which the characters look at life and change to better themselves was so heartwarming and inspiring. The concept and premise of this story are incredible, and the execution even more so. There was so much to learn from the characters and their experiences, including fostering genuine relationships, conquering fears, and simply being happy. This book makes me want to go back in time and fix my mistakes. especially all of my (many) embarrassing moments :)
The ending just perfectly ties everything together. What an amazing way to end this journey for Brooke and her discoveries in life! I loved every moment of this novel, this was just so beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2020
After the death of her father, Brooke McFadden is devastated, grieving and despaired. She isolates herself from well-meaning friends and family who do not seem to understand the true depth of her grief. While out on a yacht, Brooke accidentally falls off the boat and into the deep ice-cold waters of Lake Michigan. When she awakes in her bed, and it’s the beginning of summer again. Navigating bad dreams and reliving the summer, Brooke must piece together memories and dreams to find out how she can escape this time loop.
A teenage rendition of the Groundhog day (although this is more than one day relived), this book explores what a teenager, stuck in grief would do if she had a second (or more) chance to re-do some of her decisions. I liked the story, and I loved the writing style, it was immersive and well thought out. A solid YA book to recommend to others.
A teenage rendition of the Groundhog day (although this is more than one day relived), this book explores what a teenager, stuck in grief would do if she had a second (or more) chance to re-do some of her decisions. I liked the story, and I loved the writing style, it was immersive and well thought out. A solid YA book to recommend to others.
October 7, 2025
4.5☆'s.
I thought this was a bit of a different story, but I really liked it. There were a few typos, but nothing too drastic.
I met the author (Shay) & she seemed really nice. I'd definitely give another of her books a read.
I thought this was a bit of a different story, but I really liked it. There were a few typos, but nothing too drastic.
I met the author (Shay) & she seemed really nice. I'd definitely give another of her books a read.
March 7, 2025
Falling Too Deep presents an intriguing premise with its "do-over" concept, allowing the protagonist, Brooke, to relive a summer with the hope of gaining new perspective rather than changing the past. While this idea is fascinating, the execution of the story and the relationships within it left much to be desired.
From the start, Brooke and Jayce's friendship did not feel genuine. Their supposed emotional connection was weak, as Jayce frequently flirted with other girls and repeatedly left Brooke for someone else. This lack of depth in their relationship made their eventual romance unconvincing. Rather than showing organic growth, their feelings for each other felt forced, making it difficult to become invested in their love story.
The novel shines in its portrayal of the do-over summer, offering Brooke the chance to reflect on her past and make changes. Brooke's character development in this second chance is notable. She becomes more self-assured and begins to confront the trauma of her father's death. However, while this element of the story was engaging, the plot tended to meander, focusing too much on social drama rather than truly exploring Brooke’s emotional and psychological journey.
Many of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped. Heather's role fluctuated between antagonist and friend, making her difficult to understand, and Jayce's inconsistent behavior made him an unappealing love interest. Lucas, on the other hand, provided a more stable and likable presence in Brooke’s life, making her rejection of him in favor of Jayce frustrating.
The mystery of Brooke’s past and her resurfacing memories added an interesting layer to the narrative, but the resolution was somewhat predictable. The ending, where the do-over summer seemingly never happened yet left behind tangible remnants, was a nice touch, though it could have been explored further to provide more impact. It was too bad she didn't get to keep any money from working at the restaurant during the do-over.
Overall, Falling Too Deep has a strong concept but lacks the emotional depth and relationship development to make it truly compelling. Readers who enjoy stories about second chances and light mystery may find it enjoyable, but those looking for a deeply moving romance might be disappointed.
From the start, Brooke and Jayce's friendship did not feel genuine. Their supposed emotional connection was weak, as Jayce frequently flirted with other girls and repeatedly left Brooke for someone else. This lack of depth in their relationship made their eventual romance unconvincing. Rather than showing organic growth, their feelings for each other felt forced, making it difficult to become invested in their love story.
The novel shines in its portrayal of the do-over summer, offering Brooke the chance to reflect on her past and make changes. Brooke's character development in this second chance is notable. She becomes more self-assured and begins to confront the trauma of her father's death. However, while this element of the story was engaging, the plot tended to meander, focusing too much on social drama rather than truly exploring Brooke’s emotional and psychological journey.
Many of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped. Heather's role fluctuated between antagonist and friend, making her difficult to understand, and Jayce's inconsistent behavior made him an unappealing love interest. Lucas, on the other hand, provided a more stable and likable presence in Brooke’s life, making her rejection of him in favor of Jayce frustrating.
The mystery of Brooke’s past and her resurfacing memories added an interesting layer to the narrative, but the resolution was somewhat predictable. The ending, where the do-over summer seemingly never happened yet left behind tangible remnants, was a nice touch, though it could have been explored further to provide more impact. It was too bad she didn't get to keep any money from working at the restaurant during the do-over.
Overall, Falling Too Deep has a strong concept but lacks the emotional depth and relationship development to make it truly compelling. Readers who enjoy stories about second chances and light mystery may find it enjoyable, but those looking for a deeply moving romance might be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
Firstly, this is a lovely 'safe' read about young relationships complete with all their normal complications. That element is beautifully done and really worked to draw me into the lives, and emotions, of the characters. It provides a perfect background for the more unique elements of the plot.
Brooke basically gets to 'redo' her summer. In doing so, she discovers a huge amount about herself and the people around her whilst also working to untangle the mess of emotions in her head and aiding her to remember and process her father's death. She really grows as a person during her 'second chance at summer' and it makes for a great, positive but not in a over-the-top way, gentle read.
There's plenty here to love, particularly in the depth of human (mainly teenage) relationship and emotion. The 'redo' storyline is intriguing and kept me constantly wondering how the whole thing was going to play out. It also got me thinking about what I would do. I think most people would like the opportunity to go back and repeat something, even though we are told to have 'no regrets'. Getting involved in this idea, both with Brooke and considering my own reaction, meant experiencing some strong emotions at the end (which I'm not going to reveal).
It left me with one question: do we really need a do-over or do we need a merely reflective view that we can learn from on a personal level?
I was actually considering giving this book 4* because it left some 'vital' questions unanswered and I struggled with that. However, a few days after finishing it, I realised that those threads really matter when thinking about the 'message' of the story and, indeed, worked well to keep me thinking about the book well after I turned off the Kindle.
Brooke basically gets to 'redo' her summer. In doing so, she discovers a huge amount about herself and the people around her whilst also working to untangle the mess of emotions in her head and aiding her to remember and process her father's death. She really grows as a person during her 'second chance at summer' and it makes for a great, positive but not in a over-the-top way, gentle read.
There's plenty here to love, particularly in the depth of human (mainly teenage) relationship and emotion. The 'redo' storyline is intriguing and kept me constantly wondering how the whole thing was going to play out. It also got me thinking about what I would do. I think most people would like the opportunity to go back and repeat something, even though we are told to have 'no regrets'. Getting involved in this idea, both with Brooke and considering my own reaction, meant experiencing some strong emotions at the end (which I'm not going to reveal).
It left me with one question: do we really need a do-over or do we need a merely reflective view that we can learn from on a personal level?
I was actually considering giving this book 4* because it left some 'vital' questions unanswered and I struggled with that. However, a few days after finishing it, I realised that those threads really matter when thinking about the 'message' of the story and, indeed, worked well to keep me thinking about the book well after I turned off the Kindle.
September 28, 2020
Have you ever had a bad day? A bad month? A bad summer? And you wish you could just do it over? Seventeen-year-old Booke McFadden gets one without asking. After her father’s death, Brooke becomes a self-imposed recluse. She doesn’t want to participate with people or attend events. But when her best friend, Jayce, asks her to go to the end of summer yacht party on the Fairchild’s yacht, she reluctantly agrees to go for his sake. And that’s where she falls off the yacht and wakes up to find that she’s in something like a summer do-over, and her family, and Jayce, don’t understand what she’s going through. And then the dreams begin. Dreams about water, and her father. What do they mean?
Shay Lee does a great job with plot movement and characterization. In her do-over, she becomes more compassionate; more loving and forgiving. And her relationship with her best-friend, Jayce is believable and heartwarming. This is a fun read, with drama, suspense and a whole host of great characters.
Shay Lee does a great job with plot movement and characterization. In her do-over, she becomes more compassionate; more loving and forgiving. And her relationship with her best-friend, Jayce is believable and heartwarming. This is a fun read, with drama, suspense and a whole host of great characters.
October 23, 2020
Falling Too Deep is a book that combines pain, isolation, loss and grief. In 310 pages, Shay Lee Giertz, who is the author of this masterpiece, tells us the story of Brooke McFadden. This seventeen-year-old teenager is sad and devastated since her father died some time ago.
Story wise, it’s very interesting and flows so well like the characters; all of them have a great personality and are excellently described, especially the protagonist towards whom we can feel immediately empathy and love.
Personally, and due to the fact that the story is surprisingly deep and complex, I think I occasionally lost track of some of the finer points. Anyway, it was nothing too serious, it is really engaging and clever with some thought-provoking scenes. I was so trapped in the reading that I couldn’t put the book down! I read it in only five days as its 25 chapters are really absorbent.
I recommend this book to teenagers and young adults because it is a great reading to kill time.
Story wise, it’s very interesting and flows so well like the characters; all of them have a great personality and are excellently described, especially the protagonist towards whom we can feel immediately empathy and love.
Personally, and due to the fact that the story is surprisingly deep and complex, I think I occasionally lost track of some of the finer points. Anyway, it was nothing too serious, it is really engaging and clever with some thought-provoking scenes. I was so trapped in the reading that I couldn’t put the book down! I read it in only five days as its 25 chapters are really absorbent.
I recommend this book to teenagers and young adults because it is a great reading to kill time.
December 6, 2020
I received an ARC of Falling Too Deep by Shay Lee Giertz through BookSirens to review.
Content warning: bullying, near death experiences
Review:
I am a huge fan of this story. Brooke (very fitting name) is completely relatable in the beginning, middle, and end. There is just enough mystery about what’s going on that keeps you speed reading, while not overwhelming the story. Yes, the mystery is a huge part of the book but it’s written in a way that it’s essentially background noise. Always there but in focus only when pointed out.
The relationship between all of the characters are meaningful: family, friends, and others. There is only one aspect I wasn’t a huge fan of and I think it’s because I wanted a bit more from that relationship. But I’m not saying which because spoilers.
The writing was well done. There pacing, tone, and depictions in the book were on point. There was never a ‘lull’ as something was always in progress.
I highly recommend!
Content warning: bullying, near death experiences
Review:
I am a huge fan of this story. Brooke (very fitting name) is completely relatable in the beginning, middle, and end. There is just enough mystery about what’s going on that keeps you speed reading, while not overwhelming the story. Yes, the mystery is a huge part of the book but it’s written in a way that it’s essentially background noise. Always there but in focus only when pointed out.
The relationship between all of the characters are meaningful: family, friends, and others. There is only one aspect I wasn’t a huge fan of and I think it’s because I wanted a bit more from that relationship. But I’m not saying which because spoilers.
The writing was well done. There pacing, tone, and depictions in the book were on point. There was never a ‘lull’ as something was always in progress.
I highly recommend!
December 7, 2020
What an incredibly well written book. I always say, "there is more between heaven and earth than we think." And this story describes just such an event. The story is so very interesting and it flows so well. Like the characters; they all have great personalities and are superbly described, especially the protagonist for whom we can immediately feel empathy and love. It tells the story of Brooke, about her grief and loss of her father. After they had a kayak accident she can't remember how it happened and In an unusual way she experiences the same summer twice in a totally opposite way. But the how and why, well .... read this incredible and exciting book. I was so trapped in the reading that I couldn’t put the book down! I enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend it.
August 21, 2020
Brooke suffered a terrible loss - the death of her father - the memories of his death a mystery to her, blocked out. With her mother and brother they spend the summer in a cabin where Brooke spends all of her time hiding away from everyone including her best friend Jayce who got a job there over the summer. After a fall from a yacht Brooke wakes up to that first day of summer again - a second chance of a re-do - to do things differently.
A very quick read with great characters. I loved the ending - very much all came together.
A very quick read with great characters. I loved the ending - very much all came together.
January 15, 2021
This is a wonderful story of grief and healing with a bit of "Groundhog Day" thrown in. After falling three stories from the top deck of a yacht into Lake Michigan, Brooke is given a chance to relieve her summer and atone for some of the mistakes she'd made. Is she really reliving her summer? Is the do-over some ort of hallucination? Is she dead and in some sort of purgatory? These questions go through Brooke's and readers' minds as they read. The story is well crafted, the characters well-drawn and readers will not be able to put the book down. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2020
I enjoyed this fun, light, quick read by Shay Lee Giertz. I loved the main character and feel like she was very relatable. The deja-vu Brooke experienced had me wondering if she was dreaming, or if it was really happening! I love how Shay Lee Giertz incorporates Christian values to this story, and it gives me food for thought. What would I do differently if I could “do over” a certain time in my life...🤔
September 19, 2020
At first glance I thought this book would be like most contemporary teen fiction. But it surprised me. There a few twists and turns one doesn't expect that keeps the story flowing and the reader engaged. I enjoyed reading this one and didn't want to put it down. The story kept calling me back until I finished it.
October 5, 2020
Groundhog Day is a theme that has been written to death in various adaptations but this YA version felt fresh and easy to read. The characters were believable and well written; there wasn’t anyone I didn’t warn to or couldn’t empathise with their motivations at the very least. The plot dealt with a range of issues that readers of all ages would be able to relate to.
August 14, 2020
Excellent read! I honestly had a hard time putting it down!! The main character was very relatable and the story line just kept reeling me in!! A little bit of suspense and romance, a good mix!
September 26, 2020
Amazing
A fast easy read! Couldn’t put it down! And I love the acknowledgements that she never gave up with this story.
A fast easy read! Couldn’t put it down! And I love the acknowledgements that she never gave up with this story.
February 12, 2023
This book appeared to be written by a middle schooler. It had horrible grammar and spelling. There were even sentence fragments. The plot, however, was outstanding. The plot was very unexpected. It was a little confusing in the middle, but besides that it was a pretty decent book.
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book it was faced paced and so fun to read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews