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The Joy of Falling
Eva and Angela must learn to live again. One step at a time.It has been fifteen months since Eva and Angela lost their thrill-seeking husbands in a scuba diving accident. Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief, but neither one is making much progress. Angela is barely making ends meet, angry at her husband for leaving her to raise three children on her own. Meanwhile, Eva is stuck, unable to move forward after losing the love of her life and her source of inspiration.
But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime--an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands' place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband's choices.
Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men--Marc is Brent's best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven't had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?
But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime--an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands' place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband's choices.
Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men--Marc is Brent's best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven't had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2020
59 people are currently reading
3177 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Harrel
34 books602 followersLindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.
When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.
When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
May 2, 2020
This is a poignant story of grief and finding joy again after terrible loss. Though their circumstances are different, both Eva and Angela have to figure out what their lives look like now that their husbands have passed away.
I loved the realness of the family dynamics, as well as the lush New Zealand setting. And while I never see myself doing an ultra marathon, I found those details fascinating and loved going on that journey with them. The parallel to their inner journey is apparent but feels completely natural. I loved the gentle way that faith is discussed in the novel; it feels very organic within the story.
This is my third Harrell novel and stands up wonderfully beside her other titles. I’ll be eager to read her next book!
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
I loved the realness of the family dynamics, as well as the lush New Zealand setting. And while I never see myself doing an ultra marathon, I found those details fascinating and loved going on that journey with them. The parallel to their inner journey is apparent but feels completely natural. I loved the gentle way that faith is discussed in the novel; it feels very organic within the story.
This is my third Harrell novel and stands up wonderfully beside her other titles. I’ll be eager to read her next book!
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher; this review is my honest opinion.
April 24, 2020
This was a great read with some well thought out, faith-based nuggets of truth and wisdom for the reader to chew on. It dealt with the grief of loosing a spouse and learning how to grow and continue on in life. I enjoyed the setting, as most of the book took place in New Zealand, and I loved that the characters were competing in an ultra-marathon! The runner in me loved those details. I also appreciated the mature characters learning to balance life and parenting during the teen years.
This was my first read by this author and I am thoroughly impressed. I am looking forward to reading her other books!
This was my first read by this author and I am thoroughly impressed. I am looking forward to reading her other books!
February 16, 2020
Love love and love this story!! Grief is one of those things that unfortunately we'll never be able to escape in this life. Every one of us will go through it at some point. Each one will experience it differently too, no two journeys are the same. And that's okay, there are no rules or timelines when it comes to grieving a loss, whatever that loss may be.
We may feel like we'll never be happy again, but that's just not true. Happiness is a fleeting feeling that comes and goes with the circumstances in our lives, but there is always something to be thankful for, no matter what. Joy is always around us even in the midst of devastating pain and heartache. There is joy in the journey, in the unexpected surprises that are always around the corner. I don't think you ever truly "get over" whatever it is your grieving over. Yes, life keeps moving on, but the hole is still there, in some cases will always be there. And that's okay, some things, especially the people we've lost are never meant to be forgotten, they're always with us.
We can choose to have joy knowing that God is always in control and will catch us when we take that first step in faith with Him and all that He has in store for us. We're free to fall into Him whenever needed.
We may feel like we'll never be happy again, but that's just not true. Happiness is a fleeting feeling that comes and goes with the circumstances in our lives, but there is always something to be thankful for, no matter what. Joy is always around us even in the midst of devastating pain and heartache. There is joy in the journey, in the unexpected surprises that are always around the corner. I don't think you ever truly "get over" whatever it is your grieving over. Yes, life keeps moving on, but the hole is still there, in some cases will always be there. And that's okay, some things, especially the people we've lost are never meant to be forgotten, they're always with us.
We can choose to have joy knowing that God is always in control and will catch us when we take that first step in faith with Him and all that He has in store for us. We're free to fall into Him whenever needed.
May 21, 2020
4.25 Stars / 1 Steam Fans
Anyone that knows my reviews will tell you that I am not a fan of Christian Fiction; however, I must say that The Joy of Falling was such a delight to read. Eva and Angela are mourning the loss of their husbands. So when Eva finds out that their husbands had signed up to participate in a mega marathon in New Zealand, she convinces Angela to join in their honor. As sisters-in-law, Angela, and Eva work through the different ways to grieve, celebrate, and accept the tragedies that affect them both. I appreciated the way that Lindsey Harrel incorporated faith and belief into this story without beating you over the head.
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Anyone that knows my reviews will tell you that I am not a fan of Christian Fiction; however, I must say that The Joy of Falling was such a delight to read. Eva and Angela are mourning the loss of their husbands. So when Eva finds out that their husbands had signed up to participate in a mega marathon in New Zealand, she convinces Angela to join in their honor. As sisters-in-law, Angela, and Eva work through the different ways to grieve, celebrate, and accept the tragedies that affect them both. I appreciated the way that Lindsey Harrel incorporated faith and belief into this story without beating you over the head.
Video review available in Week 21: May 17 – 23 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
May 8, 2020
I honestly don't even know what to say about The Joy of Falling. I finished it a couple days ago and still don't have the words...but I'll try my best. I loved the book. When I heard that this was, in part, about running a marathon, I thought it wasn't going to be that interesting...boy was I wrong!
This book dealt with loss, grief, healing, and new love. I was captivated by the story right away and felt like I took this journey of healing with Eva and Angela. I was rooting for them as they ran the marathon (which sounded INTENSE) and hoping for the best with the rest of their stories.
All in all, The Joy of Falling was a fantastic read and I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
This book dealt with loss, grief, healing, and new love. I was captivated by the story right away and felt like I took this journey of healing with Eva and Angela. I was rooting for them as they ran the marathon (which sounded INTENSE) and hoping for the best with the rest of their stories.
All in all, The Joy of Falling was a fantastic read and I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
April 11, 2020
A book that has so much emotion...and has my mind spinning. Books that make me think about life,and how a God wants us to live it...books that make me introspective are usually the five star reads for me. This gets those stars because I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while!
The three main characters are really well done. The book goes back and forth between the two sisters-in-law’s point-of-view. I really liked that because it gives an insight into two people both experiencing the loss of a husband, but even they do not understand each other as they walk through the emotions of it.
The plot is an interesting one, and I loved running back when I could. The place is unique, and I enjoyed that. For me,though, it was the characters that kept me turning the pages.
The shared mother-in-law was a source and pretty much the source for the faith theme.There were some great quotes from her that really make the reader think about their standing before God and how we think about Him.
So in the end with my connections felt to the characters...and the faith thread that brought a lot of thought about God, His ways, and learning from them, this book makes my forever shelves. It also receives the very rare five stars from me.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The three main characters are really well done. The book goes back and forth between the two sisters-in-law’s point-of-view. I really liked that because it gives an insight into two people both experiencing the loss of a husband, but even they do not understand each other as they walk through the emotions of it.
The plot is an interesting one, and I loved running back when I could. The place is unique, and I enjoyed that. For me,though, it was the characters that kept me turning the pages.
The shared mother-in-law was a source and pretty much the source for the faith theme.There were some great quotes from her that really make the reader think about their standing before God and how we think about Him.
So in the end with my connections felt to the characters...and the faith thread that brought a lot of thought about God, His ways, and learning from them, this book makes my forever shelves. It also receives the very rare five stars from me.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2021
I love Harrel's way of writing. Her storylines and plots are unique and the settings are captivating. I loved the New Zealand setting and found myself looking up places she mentioned so I could better picture everything.
The themes of grief and the different ways we work through it resonates throughout the story, and it is very meaningful because it's definitely apparent that the trajectory is different for everyone--Angela, Eva, and even their mother-in-law and Angela's children all work through their pain in different ways. Another theme deals with discovering your dreams and learning how to adjust your dreams and plans to fit the person you are now. I really loved that part for Angela, it would have been too pat for her to decide at this point in her life that she wanted to go back and fulfill the dreams of her youth. The journey that she goes through to come to terms with her lost dreams and moving ahead really connected with me and will with other readers as well. Eva comes from a different place than I do, but her own transformation is also meaningful. Both of these overarching themes are placed within the context of the women running the ultra marathon, and the training and actual race help them to come to terms with their past, present, and future.
There is a subtle spiritual thread about trusting God and learning to rely on Him. There is also a light amount of romance, but it isn't the true focus of the tale, which is more about the healing of the women and them getting to the place of moving on after losing their husbands.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The themes of grief and the different ways we work through it resonates throughout the story, and it is very meaningful because it's definitely apparent that the trajectory is different for everyone--Angela, Eva, and even their mother-in-law and Angela's children all work through their pain in different ways. Another theme deals with discovering your dreams and learning how to adjust your dreams and plans to fit the person you are now. I really loved that part for Angela, it would have been too pat for her to decide at this point in her life that she wanted to go back and fulfill the dreams of her youth. The journey that she goes through to come to terms with her lost dreams and moving ahead really connected with me and will with other readers as well. Eva comes from a different place than I do, but her own transformation is also meaningful. Both of these overarching themes are placed within the context of the women running the ultra marathon, and the training and actual race help them to come to terms with their past, present, and future.
There is a subtle spiritual thread about trusting God and learning to rely on Him. There is also a light amount of romance, but it isn't the true focus of the tale, which is more about the healing of the women and them getting to the place of moving on after losing their husbands.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 15, 2020
The Joy of Falling is a contemporary romance novel following two sisters-in-law, who are both grieving the loss of their husbands but in different ways. They decide to take on a New Zealand ultramarathon race that their husbands should have run.
The book follows their progress through the training for the race. We see the many emotions involved in grief, as well as their struggle to hope for future happiness.
I enjoyed watching their journey, though at times I got frustrated for them. I think the book showed the complicated nature of grief but without the story feeling heavy.
The spiritual elements became more apparent towards the end of the book. I particularly liked the relationship with their mother-in-law, Sherry.
The book follows their progress through the training for the race. We see the many emotions involved in grief, as well as their struggle to hope for future happiness.
I enjoyed watching their journey, though at times I got frustrated for them. I think the book showed the complicated nature of grief but without the story feeling heavy.
The spiritual elements became more apparent towards the end of the book. I particularly liked the relationship with their mother-in-law, Sherry.
April 28, 2020
The Joy of Falling is about 2 sister in laws who lost both of their husband decided to run a race in New Zealand. It was a 7 day race. The girls who really don't get along, but decide to run the race together for their husbands. Both learn about each other as they train for the race. During the training both fall in love. Both women have to learn how to let go of their husbands. The race was taxing but they learn what can happy when they work together with each other. I felt the book was a little slow, but interesting to see how you can run a race like the one they did. A good book for those who are suffering lost.
September 8, 2020
At the moment it is taking me a few days to settle into a book, this book was no different, but once I settled into the story I did enjoy it.
Eva and Angela are sister-in laws, who's husbands died 18 months ago and they are both in different ways struggling to move on in their lives. Eva in a job with workmates who wish she wasn't there.
Angela has three children, she is angry a lot of the time and struggling in her relationship with her oldest daughter. Both have lost their passion for life.
A phone call is about to change all that their husbands had signed up for an ultra-marathon in New Zealand. In the end the woman decide to sign up in the memory of their husbands. This will take a lot of training both physically and emotionally and also they are going to have to learn to like each other.
One of the women are very well off and the other woman gives up her job and they take the lovely mother-in-law and the children to NZ a few months before the big race - challenge. they will both struggle in all sorts of ways but through it they will learn to love themselves, each other and those around them.
This story is sprinkled with Faith in God. Sherry is Mother-in-law knows grief she lost her husband and both sons, and as I read about her I thought about Naomi and Ruth in the old Testament in the Bible and I was on the right track because I turned the page and read this:
'...In many ways I feel like Naomi with two Ruths...'. I liked Sherry, her kindness, her willingness to be their for the grandchildren and 'daughters' and I loved her Faith in God and how she would direct the conversations with God at the center in the best of ways.
This was such a good story and it's setting in New York which I loved visiting and of course NZ where I live. This book was worth a read.
Eva and Angela are sister-in laws, who's husbands died 18 months ago and they are both in different ways struggling to move on in their lives. Eva in a job with workmates who wish she wasn't there.
Angela has three children, she is angry a lot of the time and struggling in her relationship with her oldest daughter. Both have lost their passion for life.
A phone call is about to change all that their husbands had signed up for an ultra-marathon in New Zealand. In the end the woman decide to sign up in the memory of their husbands. This will take a lot of training both physically and emotionally and also they are going to have to learn to like each other.
One of the women are very well off and the other woman gives up her job and they take the lovely mother-in-law and the children to NZ a few months before the big race - challenge. they will both struggle in all sorts of ways but through it they will learn to love themselves, each other and those around them.
This story is sprinkled with Faith in God. Sherry is Mother-in-law knows grief she lost her husband and both sons, and as I read about her I thought about Naomi and Ruth in the old Testament in the Bible and I was on the right track because I turned the page and read this:
'...In many ways I feel like Naomi with two Ruths...'. I liked Sherry, her kindness, her willingness to be their for the grandchildren and 'daughters' and I loved her Faith in God and how she would direct the conversations with God at the center in the best of ways.
This was such a good story and it's setting in New York which I loved visiting and of course NZ where I live. This book was worth a read.
April 21, 2020
Harrel gives readers a story of hope, second chances, healing, and restoration in The Joy of Falling. With beautiful settings, broken characters, and a secondary character to adore, this is another winner in my book. There were a few moments that I teared up a little bit and reached for my tissues, as the characters had to come to some realizations about their past and what that meant for their future. And really, it got me thinking about myself and my own story. That’s what Harrel’s books always do to me – make me reflect. It’s also why I am so drawn to them. I want to read a book that is going to entertain for sure, but I also want a book that is going to make me dive deep into my soul, and perhaps work on a thing or two!
Probably the thing I gravitated to the most in this novel, was the relationship between Eva and Angela. Yes they were sister-in-laws, but they weren’t really that close. In my opinion, the loss of their husbands should have brought them closer, but then everyone grieves in their own way, and has their own demons to deal with. But throughout this book, on their path to healing, you see them slowly come together. Their journey from in-laws to friends was such an emotional part of the story, but one I found necessary and I appreciated. I don’t always need romance in a good book (I know some of you are gasping). And while there is romance here, to me it’s more of a secondary story instead of the main one.
Speaking of secondary, I really liked the secondary character in this story. Eva and Angela’s mother-in-law was a fantastic character. She was reserved at times, but a constant in their story. She instilled words of wisdom to both Eva and Angela that really spoke to my heart. Don’t you just love it when a secondary character shines!? She really was a bright spot in this story with her grace and wisdom.
Harrel fans will enjoy reading The Joy of Falling. And if you’re not a fan yet, perhaps this book will make you one! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Probably the thing I gravitated to the most in this novel, was the relationship between Eva and Angela. Yes they were sister-in-laws, but they weren’t really that close. In my opinion, the loss of their husbands should have brought them closer, but then everyone grieves in their own way, and has their own demons to deal with. But throughout this book, on their path to healing, you see them slowly come together. Their journey from in-laws to friends was such an emotional part of the story, but one I found necessary and I appreciated. I don’t always need romance in a good book (I know some of you are gasping). And while there is romance here, to me it’s more of a secondary story instead of the main one.
Speaking of secondary, I really liked the secondary character in this story. Eva and Angela’s mother-in-law was a fantastic character. She was reserved at times, but a constant in their story. She instilled words of wisdom to both Eva and Angela that really spoke to my heart. Don’t you just love it when a secondary character shines!? She really was a bright spot in this story with her grace and wisdom.
Harrel fans will enjoy reading The Joy of Falling. And if you’re not a fan yet, perhaps this book will make you one! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2020
4.5
Having lost their husbands in a scuba-diving accident over a year ago, both Eva and Angela are still figuring out what moving forward without them should look like. A perfect opportunity to confront what is holding them back presents itself in the form of a New Zealand-based ultra-marathon, a race for which the men registered a week before their deaths. As Eva and Angela train to fill the spots of their husbands, the journey they experience moves them inwardly, in addition to outwardly, of course—and it proves to be worth every mile.
I know now that when I pick up a Lindsay Harrel book, I am going to venture into a story of women dealing with the tough parts of life, and she does it so well. In The Joy of Falling, Eva and Angela have different ways of handling their grief. Their interactions—with each other and others around them—are more than messy, at times, but the revelations sparked by the ultra-marathon and a change of scenery provoke necessary, hopeful growth. Harrel presents their full gamut of emotions in a way that feels real, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey alongside her characters. (Oh, and because much of the story takes place in New Zealand, it offers an exciting adventure beyond the current limitations!)
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Having lost their husbands in a scuba-diving accident over a year ago, both Eva and Angela are still figuring out what moving forward without them should look like. A perfect opportunity to confront what is holding them back presents itself in the form of a New Zealand-based ultra-marathon, a race for which the men registered a week before their deaths. As Eva and Angela train to fill the spots of their husbands, the journey they experience moves them inwardly, in addition to outwardly, of course—and it proves to be worth every mile.
I know now that when I pick up a Lindsay Harrel book, I am going to venture into a story of women dealing with the tough parts of life, and she does it so well. In The Joy of Falling, Eva and Angela have different ways of handling their grief. Their interactions—with each other and others around them—are more than messy, at times, but the revelations sparked by the ultra-marathon and a change of scenery provoke necessary, hopeful growth. Harrel presents their full gamut of emotions in a way that feels real, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey alongside her characters. (Oh, and because much of the story takes place in New Zealand, it offers an exciting adventure beyond the current limitations!)
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 11, 2020
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was about family, running and romance. Which are some of my favorites things. I really didn’t like Angela very much, but she grew on me. And I hate it when people can’t make up their minds but over all the story was sound. Some parts of the story felt underdeveloped but I would definitely read another book by this author.
I did enjoyed the whole idea of racing in their husbands place and loved that it was in New Zealand.
This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
This was about family, running and romance. Which are some of my favorites things. I really didn’t like Angela very much, but she grew on me. And I hate it when people can’t make up their minds but over all the story was sound. Some parts of the story felt underdeveloped but I would definitely read another book by this author.
I did enjoyed the whole idea of racing in their husbands place and loved that it was in New Zealand.
This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
April 26, 2022
Beautiful story of grief and joy!
A stunning and enjoyable story with beautiful imagery and raw, honest characters. A great balance of heartache and resilience, hope and healing. A story to keep thinking about. I feel like I’ve been on this adventure with Eva and Angela. I didn’t want the story to end. I want to go meet them for coffee.
A stunning and enjoyable story with beautiful imagery and raw, honest characters. A great balance of heartache and resilience, hope and healing. A story to keep thinking about. I feel like I’ve been on this adventure with Eva and Angela. I didn’t want the story to end. I want to go meet them for coffee.
December 28, 2020
FABULOUS read! Hits all the feels. Longer review coming soon :)
February 10, 2020
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
Grief isn’t the easiest topic to write about, but Mrs. Lindsay Harrel mastered it in The Joy of Falling. The emotions Eva, Angela, Sherry, Kylee, Marc, and Simon all experienced were palpable, raw, real, and as varied as their personalities. I was blown away by how Mrs. Harrel vulnerably displayed a few of the faces of grief. Strong, weepy, joy-filled… they each held their ground well in the story. They may have at times clashed or partnered or walked alongside one another, yet they each added a very distinctive thread that was integral to the entirety of this beautiful journey across the globe.
I especially liked that the leads were sisters-in-law. That isn’t a relationship often featured in Christian fiction, but I felt like it was perfect for this particular story. The ladies didn’t have that natural lifetime-long bond of sisterhood to fall back on. Instead, they had to work hard to build common ground, and the fact that they didn’t always get it right added depth and genuineness to the plot. This wasn’t the only familial connection in the story, and all the other ones added so many overlapped layers to the story that it would be impossible to separate them without destroying the overall picture.
The setting—both that of New York City and New Zealand—came alive in my mind because of the author’s detailed expression of colors, buildings, scenery, and any number of other things that helped the story feel three-dimensional rather than flat and lifeless. This is something I’ve come to expect in Mrs. Harrel’s books, yet it finds ways to surprise me every time I choose to read one of her stories.
Okay, so I have to mention the secondary characters. Every one of them was well developed. They each showed up at the exact right time and left the scene at the exact right time. They did not overshadow the leads, and they felt organic in the scenes—including personality, dialogue, and actions—every single time. This is a hard feat to accomplish, but Mrs. Harrel did it beautifully.
While I expected to weep my way through this novel, I only cried twice, and both of those occasions happened after the eighty-five-percent mark. I’m not exactly sure why that is, since I’m typically a weeper when it comes to reading books, watching movies, or listening to music. My emotions are usually wrapped up in whatever entertainment I’m enjoying. Not that I cry every time, but with a book about grief, I did go into it expecting to need a full box of tissues. I enjoyed the majority of the book, but for some reason I can’t define, it held my emotions in check throughout many of the chapters.
I’m thinking one reason could have been the “casino night” fundraising event that consumed an entire chapter. I’m not one to gamble or even promote gambling, and I wasn’t expecting the leads in a Christian fiction book to do so either, as gambling is a vice that is a huge problem in society today. If anything, I would have expected it to be shown as a negative thing to be stopped or avoided, but it was used in a positive way instead. That was off-putting to me, and that might be why a sort of wall was erected between this book and my emotions.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoyed the author’s The Heart Between Us or Melissa Tagg’s Walker Family series.
Content: “casino night” fundraiser event, “richer than God” comment early on, four crude sexual terms, alcohol (wine and used in food), pre-marital pregnancy, “in the cards” phrase (which references tarot cards)
Grief isn’t the easiest topic to write about, but Mrs. Lindsay Harrel mastered it in The Joy of Falling. The emotions Eva, Angela, Sherry, Kylee, Marc, and Simon all experienced were palpable, raw, real, and as varied as their personalities. I was blown away by how Mrs. Harrel vulnerably displayed a few of the faces of grief. Strong, weepy, joy-filled… they each held their ground well in the story. They may have at times clashed or partnered or walked alongside one another, yet they each added a very distinctive thread that was integral to the entirety of this beautiful journey across the globe.
I especially liked that the leads were sisters-in-law. That isn’t a relationship often featured in Christian fiction, but I felt like it was perfect for this particular story. The ladies didn’t have that natural lifetime-long bond of sisterhood to fall back on. Instead, they had to work hard to build common ground, and the fact that they didn’t always get it right added depth and genuineness to the plot. This wasn’t the only familial connection in the story, and all the other ones added so many overlapped layers to the story that it would be impossible to separate them without destroying the overall picture.
The setting—both that of New York City and New Zealand—came alive in my mind because of the author’s detailed expression of colors, buildings, scenery, and any number of other things that helped the story feel three-dimensional rather than flat and lifeless. This is something I’ve come to expect in Mrs. Harrel’s books, yet it finds ways to surprise me every time I choose to read one of her stories.
Okay, so I have to mention the secondary characters. Every one of them was well developed. They each showed up at the exact right time and left the scene at the exact right time. They did not overshadow the leads, and they felt organic in the scenes—including personality, dialogue, and actions—every single time. This is a hard feat to accomplish, but Mrs. Harrel did it beautifully.
While I expected to weep my way through this novel, I only cried twice, and both of those occasions happened after the eighty-five-percent mark. I’m not exactly sure why that is, since I’m typically a weeper when it comes to reading books, watching movies, or listening to music. My emotions are usually wrapped up in whatever entertainment I’m enjoying. Not that I cry every time, but with a book about grief, I did go into it expecting to need a full box of tissues. I enjoyed the majority of the book, but for some reason I can’t define, it held my emotions in check throughout many of the chapters.
I’m thinking one reason could have been the “casino night” fundraising event that consumed an entire chapter. I’m not one to gamble or even promote gambling, and I wasn’t expecting the leads in a Christian fiction book to do so either, as gambling is a vice that is a huge problem in society today. If anything, I would have expected it to be shown as a negative thing to be stopped or avoided, but it was used in a positive way instead. That was off-putting to me, and that might be why a sort of wall was erected between this book and my emotions.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who enjoyed the author’s The Heart Between Us or Melissa Tagg’s Walker Family series.
Content: “casino night” fundraiser event, “richer than God” comment early on, four crude sexual terms, alcohol (wine and used in food), pre-marital pregnancy, “in the cards” phrase (which references tarot cards)
April 28, 2020
The Joy of Falling is an amazing story of grief and healing, joy and triumph, and the importance of relationships in every aspect of life (family, friendships, romance). Oh, and a little armchair adventure in New Zealand happens along with ALL THE FEELS.
I believe anyone who has experienced grief can relate to this story. While these characters lose their husbands, their journey of grief shows how it manifests uniquely to each person and is simultaneously universal. I appreciate how Harrel clearly communicates that with this story – giving these characters permission to grieve differently, showing its stages and waves in a relatable way.
While the weightier aspects of grief and fear are a part of this story, its bright JOY and honesty are the best parts. Eva and Angela each grow and benefit from their relationships in this story, both as sisters, daughters, and, in Angela’s case, as a parent. The importance of friendship is spotlighted, as are a couple tentative friendship-and-romance relationships. These are developed carefully and with a refreshing honesty in the face of the emotional trials both Angela and Eva are experiencing.
This emotional and enlightening journey plays out for the characters in a most vivid setting: New Zealand. Harrel has captured the place wonderfully, in a setting-as-a-character manner. Its varied terrain is a catalyst and metaphor for the perseverance Eva, Angela, and Marc must prove in their marathon and in their season of change.
It was a blessing to read this story at this moment in my life: its message of joy as an overarching theme and anchor, as opposed to fleeting happiness, becomes a constant for the characters and a reminder we all need in this world.
I’ll end my thoughts with one of my favorite quotes from the novel:
“How was it possible to feel so much love and hope in the midst of tragedy?”
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
I believe anyone who has experienced grief can relate to this story. While these characters lose their husbands, their journey of grief shows how it manifests uniquely to each person and is simultaneously universal. I appreciate how Harrel clearly communicates that with this story – giving these characters permission to grieve differently, showing its stages and waves in a relatable way.
While the weightier aspects of grief and fear are a part of this story, its bright JOY and honesty are the best parts. Eva and Angela each grow and benefit from their relationships in this story, both as sisters, daughters, and, in Angela’s case, as a parent. The importance of friendship is spotlighted, as are a couple tentative friendship-and-romance relationships. These are developed carefully and with a refreshing honesty in the face of the emotional trials both Angela and Eva are experiencing.
This emotional and enlightening journey plays out for the characters in a most vivid setting: New Zealand. Harrel has captured the place wonderfully, in a setting-as-a-character manner. Its varied terrain is a catalyst and metaphor for the perseverance Eva, Angela, and Marc must prove in their marathon and in their season of change.
It was a blessing to read this story at this moment in my life: its message of joy as an overarching theme and anchor, as opposed to fleeting happiness, becomes a constant for the characters and a reminder we all need in this world.
I’ll end my thoughts with one of my favorite quotes from the novel:
“How was it possible to feel so much love and hope in the midst of tragedy?”
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
May 18, 2020
I don't know that I can say this novel is "enjoyable" because it's mainly about two women coming to terms with the acute stage of their grief at losing their husbands. Yet at the same time, while I felt sympathy for both of them, I also had a hard time feeling fully absorbed in their pain. I kept feeling like I ought to like it really well but not quite being able to lose myself in the story.
I think the romance was the hardest part for me. The odds of two grieving women finding someone to love on the same trip was a bit of a stretch and I think making the book longer and giving more of the "recovering" scenes (once they came to the point of facing and really accepting their grief) would have made the romance more believable for me.
My favorite thing about the book was the gorgeous descriptions of the scenery and the flower shop scenes...those were so sweet. And then the grief scene over the waterfall...I'll be thinking of that one for awhile.
Content: the scene where the two women promote "charitable gambling" at a party was difficult for me to get through and I mostly skimmed. Might be triggering for recovering gambling addicts.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I think the romance was the hardest part for me. The odds of two grieving women finding someone to love on the same trip was a bit of a stretch and I think making the book longer and giving more of the "recovering" scenes (once they came to the point of facing and really accepting their grief) would have made the romance more believable for me.
My favorite thing about the book was the gorgeous descriptions of the scenery and the flower shop scenes...those were so sweet. And then the grief scene over the waterfall...I'll be thinking of that one for awhile.
Content: the scene where the two women promote "charitable gambling" at a party was difficult for me to get through and I mostly skimmed. Might be triggering for recovering gambling addicts.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
April 17, 2020
What a beautiful story! Lindsay weaves stories that are full of emotion and heart and this one is chock full of both. I very much enjoyed the premise of the book, and my "trip" to New Zealand. The descriptions in the book made me feel as if I was there, not sitting at my house currently going nowhere. I really felt for Eva and Angela as they struggled with their losses and trying to figure out how to live again after losing their husbands. Lindsay's stories just reach another level that is hard to describe. I quite simply love her books. Can't wait for more of her stories.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
April 21, 2020
Grief is a different story for every person.
The Joy of Falling is not an easy book to read, take the warning to heart when it says: "Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief,".
This story doesn't sugarcoat the characters' feelings, as a reader, it is hard not to feel for both, Eva, and Angela. They are two very different women who we get to see go through life after becoming widows by the same accident. I liked the way that the author showed different ways of grieving for lost loved ones.
The cover is not the usual cover you'd find on romance, even one that starts with grief, and I do love it.
The side plots or romance, mother/daughter conflict, healing from loss, growing, raising children, adventure, and the references to being like Ruth. It was a Ruth like story though not in the normal way.
I enjoyed reading about Eva and Mark. Angela and Simon, I enjoyed reading about them as well! Angela's kids were a cute part of the book ... I just wish that they had been in the book more, they were there at times but they sometimes became an afterthought but not too much so. I can't say that Simon's kids were memorable since they weren't on screen.
The spiritual content was well done; not rushed, not too over the top, rather it was well woven in.
I liked that ultramarathoning was a big part of the story, it was a nice to read about something I know little, or make that nothing about. The characters were so well written that at times I truly worried for them ... And wondered if they would accomplish their goal or not.
In a way, this was two stories yet they were one... I look forward to more from Mrs. Harrel!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Joy of Falling is not an easy book to read, take the warning to heart when it says: "Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief,".
This story doesn't sugarcoat the characters' feelings, as a reader, it is hard not to feel for both, Eva, and Angela. They are two very different women who we get to see go through life after becoming widows by the same accident. I liked the way that the author showed different ways of grieving for lost loved ones.
The cover is not the usual cover you'd find on romance, even one that starts with grief, and I do love it.
The side plots or romance, mother/daughter conflict, healing from loss, growing, raising children, adventure, and the references to being like Ruth. It was a Ruth like story though not in the normal way.
I enjoyed reading about Eva and Mark. Angela and Simon, I enjoyed reading about them as well! Angela's kids were a cute part of the book ... I just wish that they had been in the book more, they were there at times but they sometimes became an afterthought but not too much so. I can't say that Simon's kids were memorable since they weren't on screen.
The spiritual content was well done; not rushed, not too over the top, rather it was well woven in.
I liked that ultramarathoning was a big part of the story, it was a nice to read about something I know little, or make that nothing about. The characters were so well written that at times I truly worried for them ... And wondered if they would accomplish their goal or not.
In a way, this was two stories yet they were one... I look forward to more from Mrs. Harrel!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 30, 2020
The grief journey isn't the same for everyone...
Wow! What an emotional roller-coaster ride! Trust me, The Joy Of Falling is a perfect title match for this story. Lindsay Harrel took her characters through the proverbial wringer and I felt like I took the trip, and I ain't just talking the one to New Zealand, with them.
I will be the first to admit that as a single girl I really didn't 'get' all of the story. And I didn't always agree with the idea that truly living means risk-taking behaviors. But. I really did understand the parts about grief being different for everyone. That you can't map it out and expect to be at a certain point at a certain time. And that just when you think you are doing pretty good at handling it some little thing will come up, reminding you, and leave you feeling like you've gone backwards. Boy, do I get it.
I think one of the funniest, not haha, things about this book is that the character I disliked the most is probably the one I would tend to identify with a little more. Her tendencies toward snarkiness, anger, tightly controlling her emotions, and her impatience are all things that rang a bell. But hey, I think that shows Lindsay Harrel's talent for realistic characters with realistic reactions.
While women's fiction is not one of my go-to genres by any means I did enjoy the book. And if you are one of the many needing some encouragement as you deal with grief of any kind, I would recommend The Joy Of Falling To You. And, if like Eva you tend to cry with emotional books, you'll want a tissue or two with this one because it will tug at your heartstrings.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Wow! What an emotional roller-coaster ride! Trust me, The Joy Of Falling is a perfect title match for this story. Lindsay Harrel took her characters through the proverbial wringer and I felt like I took the trip, and I ain't just talking the one to New Zealand, with them.
I will be the first to admit that as a single girl I really didn't 'get' all of the story. And I didn't always agree with the idea that truly living means risk-taking behaviors. But. I really did understand the parts about grief being different for everyone. That you can't map it out and expect to be at a certain point at a certain time. And that just when you think you are doing pretty good at handling it some little thing will come up, reminding you, and leave you feeling like you've gone backwards. Boy, do I get it.
I think one of the funniest, not haha, things about this book is that the character I disliked the most is probably the one I would tend to identify with a little more. Her tendencies toward snarkiness, anger, tightly controlling her emotions, and her impatience are all things that rang a bell. But hey, I think that shows Lindsay Harrel's talent for realistic characters with realistic reactions.
While women's fiction is not one of my go-to genres by any means I did enjoy the book. And if you are one of the many needing some encouragement as you deal with grief of any kind, I would recommend The Joy Of Falling To You. And, if like Eva you tend to cry with emotional books, you'll want a tissue or two with this one because it will tug at your heartstrings.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
April 14, 2020
Such a lovely story about going on with life in the middle of grief, about moving on and looking for joy after losing a spouse.
To this point, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Lindsay Harrel's books.
Each one deals with grief, loss, or some kind of heartache. She has a way with words that draws me in, makes me feel what the characters are experiencing.
Various times as I was reading, I had tears running down my cheeks. Even though I haven't experienced grief to the point that Angela, Eva, and Sherry faced, I could imagine what it must feel like, and I empathized for them, and with anyone who goes through similar hard things.
Eva learns about a major race that her husband and his brother had signed up to participate in. After her sister in law Angela begrudgingly agrees to go, the real fun begins. Training. Working together. Reaching out. Grieving. Letting go. Honesty. Love. All of these and more come together to create the lovely threads of this story.
Especially for someone who has experienced deep grief, I think this story could be very relevant. (because I haven't been there, I don't know exactly what to say as far as triggers...it could be there are things written here that might cause some, so just a word of caution)
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
To this point, I've read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Lindsay Harrel's books.
Each one deals with grief, loss, or some kind of heartache. She has a way with words that draws me in, makes me feel what the characters are experiencing.
Various times as I was reading, I had tears running down my cheeks. Even though I haven't experienced grief to the point that Angela, Eva, and Sherry faced, I could imagine what it must feel like, and I empathized for them, and with anyone who goes through similar hard things.
Eva learns about a major race that her husband and his brother had signed up to participate in. After her sister in law Angela begrudgingly agrees to go, the real fun begins. Training. Working together. Reaching out. Grieving. Letting go. Honesty. Love. All of these and more come together to create the lovely threads of this story.
Especially for someone who has experienced deep grief, I think this story could be very relevant. (because I haven't been there, I don't know exactly what to say as far as triggers...it could be there are things written here that might cause some, so just a word of caution)
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
March 19, 2020
Trusting God to catch you . . . that’s what life was really about.
- Angela
When I started this book, I knew I would not put it down until I was done reading. 10pm to 6am the next day was how long it took me.
Lindsay Harrel captivated me with her magnificent and beautiful story telling in this book. Written from Eva and Angela's point of view, I was drawn into their world's of pain, grief, losses, triumphs and love and second chances. Their pathways in dealing with the grief of loosing thier husbands was similar yet unique. They needed each other and they have become my best fictional sister-in-laws.
Their individual strengths and tenacity to face each day despite all that was waring inside of them was the most admirable and enjoyable part of reading this book.
The battles they won were not external but internal battles of seeing past the grief and into the beautiful life God has for them.
I loved reading about how they conquered with God on their side and supporting each other.
This story will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes leaving one with a message that God is never far from the brokenhearted and second chances abound in Him.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
- Angela
When I started this book, I knew I would not put it down until I was done reading. 10pm to 6am the next day was how long it took me.
Lindsay Harrel captivated me with her magnificent and beautiful story telling in this book. Written from Eva and Angela's point of view, I was drawn into their world's of pain, grief, losses, triumphs and love and second chances. Their pathways in dealing with the grief of loosing thier husbands was similar yet unique. They needed each other and they have become my best fictional sister-in-laws.
Their individual strengths and tenacity to face each day despite all that was waring inside of them was the most admirable and enjoyable part of reading this book.
The battles they won were not external but internal battles of seeing past the grief and into the beautiful life God has for them.
I loved reading about how they conquered with God on their side and supporting each other.
This story will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes leaving one with a message that God is never far from the brokenhearted and second chances abound in Him.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 1, 2020
Captivating tale of two sisters in law, Eva and Angela, that are mourning the deaths of their husbands. The way that they mourn and their family situation are very different. Ultimately, both sisters won my heart. The author did a fabulous job with the portions in New Zealand in bringing the area to life.
April 21, 2020
3.5 stars
" . . .if grief has taught me anything, it's that we don't know what's around the corner. It could be a dream come true. It could be heartache. And that's a scary place to be." . . . . .
Fear. It has gripped the hearts of two young women who lost their husbands in a tragic diving accident. Eva and Angela are sister-in-laws, but even though they were married to brothers, their journey through grief has been anything but similar. Or, perhaps a trip to the wilds of New Zealand in order to run an ultra marathon, will make them realize that their paths to wholeness are really not all that different after all.
This beautifully written story is all about steps; steps in the right direction, and steps in the wrong direction, ( and there are pages full of both )but ultimately it is about moving forward. Grief takes on many faces, does it not? And sometimes one must be willing to freefall in order to feel the joy.
. . . . "But when you're worried about the future, just take the next step. Just do the next thing. And trust that God has something wonderful planned . . . "
" . . .if grief has taught me anything, it's that we don't know what's around the corner. It could be a dream come true. It could be heartache. And that's a scary place to be." . . . . .
Fear. It has gripped the hearts of two young women who lost their husbands in a tragic diving accident. Eva and Angela are sister-in-laws, but even though they were married to brothers, their journey through grief has been anything but similar. Or, perhaps a trip to the wilds of New Zealand in order to run an ultra marathon, will make them realize that their paths to wholeness are really not all that different after all.
This beautifully written story is all about steps; steps in the right direction, and steps in the wrong direction, ( and there are pages full of both )but ultimately it is about moving forward. Grief takes on many faces, does it not? And sometimes one must be willing to freefall in order to feel the joy.
. . . . "But when you're worried about the future, just take the next step. Just do the next thing. And trust that God has something wonderful planned . . . "
April 14, 2020
n the Joy of Falling, Lindsay Harrel has penned a beautiful story about the many faces of grief and about the journey of continuing to move forward and find joy again in life and relationships. This is equally a story about family as it is about individual growth. It is also a romance story, with two romances. At all times, it remains heartwarming and considerate.
Eva and Angela don’t have much in comment except that they both lost their husbands, brothers, in a scuba diving accident. Now, fifteen months on, Eva still has no creative drive or any desire to return to her work as a florist. She spends her time volunteering at the Heart Center and trying to honour her husband’s memory. Angela has three children and two jobs, so she has no time to mourn the husband she lost, nor much energy to confront the feelings of anger and abandonment she feels about his death. When Eva receives a phone call about an ultra-marathon the two brothers were going to complete with their best-friend, Eva convinces Angela to complete the marathon with her.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand and paced with the training Eva and Angela must complete, this is an easy book to fall into and enjoy. For all its beauty, it’s not hard to pick up on the grief, anger and range of emotions the characters are dealing with as they face the loss of husband, son, father and best-friend. Alongside Eva and Angela are their mother-in-law, Angela’s children and Marc, the brothers’ best friend who joins Eva and Angela in entering the marathon. Each form an important piece of the story. Each are feeling different emotions as they process (or ignore) their grief. This book is honest and doesn’t shy away from the very real emotions the characters are facing. Nor does it prevent this being a happy and heartwarming story.
Eva, Angela, their mother-in-law and Angela’s children all move to New Zealand for four months as they finish their training and prepare to complete the ultra marathon. There, the family have time to process their grief and work through some buried feelings. Angela meets a reporter, doing a piece on them completing the marathon in their husbands’ honour, and she is drawn to him. He too is a single parent and they bond over teen troubles and a shared understanding. But Angela is unsure about starting a new relationship, unsure about her feelings from her marriage and wants to focus on making things right with her children.
Eva and Marc, as they train, share a mutual grief for their husband and best friend, as well as a love of adventure and exercise. But a relationship with her husband’s best friend seems wrong. Eva wrestles with guilt as she is increasingly drawn to Marc.
As Eva, Angela and Marc train for and enter the marathon they must confront their pasts and their futures. Time is given for each character to start to heal. The romances are not rushed. And the adventure of the marathon itself is just as thrilling as the complex emotions and relationships in the story.
Beautifully and lovingly written, The Joy of Falling is a touching book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Eva and Angela don’t have much in comment except that they both lost their husbands, brothers, in a scuba diving accident. Now, fifteen months on, Eva still has no creative drive or any desire to return to her work as a florist. She spends her time volunteering at the Heart Center and trying to honour her husband’s memory. Angela has three children and two jobs, so she has no time to mourn the husband she lost, nor much energy to confront the feelings of anger and abandonment she feels about his death. When Eva receives a phone call about an ultra-marathon the two brothers were going to complete with their best-friend, Eva convinces Angela to complete the marathon with her.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand and paced with the training Eva and Angela must complete, this is an easy book to fall into and enjoy. For all its beauty, it’s not hard to pick up on the grief, anger and range of emotions the characters are dealing with as they face the loss of husband, son, father and best-friend. Alongside Eva and Angela are their mother-in-law, Angela’s children and Marc, the brothers’ best friend who joins Eva and Angela in entering the marathon. Each form an important piece of the story. Each are feeling different emotions as they process (or ignore) their grief. This book is honest and doesn’t shy away from the very real emotions the characters are facing. Nor does it prevent this being a happy and heartwarming story.
Eva, Angela, their mother-in-law and Angela’s children all move to New Zealand for four months as they finish their training and prepare to complete the ultra marathon. There, the family have time to process their grief and work through some buried feelings. Angela meets a reporter, doing a piece on them completing the marathon in their husbands’ honour, and she is drawn to him. He too is a single parent and they bond over teen troubles and a shared understanding. But Angela is unsure about starting a new relationship, unsure about her feelings from her marriage and wants to focus on making things right with her children.
Eva and Marc, as they train, share a mutual grief for their husband and best friend, as well as a love of adventure and exercise. But a relationship with her husband’s best friend seems wrong. Eva wrestles with guilt as she is increasingly drawn to Marc.
As Eva, Angela and Marc train for and enter the marathon they must confront their pasts and their futures. Time is given for each character to start to heal. The romances are not rushed. And the adventure of the marathon itself is just as thrilling as the complex emotions and relationships in the story.
Beautifully and lovingly written, The Joy of Falling is a touching book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
April 14, 2020
"But my greatest sorrow isn't in the things I lost that I had no control over. No, my biggest sorrow is more about the things I lost to fear."
Once again Lindsay Harrel masterfully weaves together broken and raw emotions into a beautiful tapestry of hope, faith, discovery, and victory while sensitively and artfully addressing grief from different perspectives. The heroines of the story are two sisters-in-law, bound by grief of having lost their husbands in one terrible accident. They are complete opposites, Angela being the type A control freak who wears anger like her second skin as she struggles to get by as a single mom of three and Eva being the free-spirited and gifted florist who is drowning in sorrow and darkness. Eva was easier to relate to because her emotions flowed freely on the pages but she had a lot of soul-searching and growing up to do to overcome fear. Angela was more difficult to figure out, mostly because she herself didn't know who she was anymore. Regrets and broken dreams haunt Angela until they land in New Zealand to train for and run an ultra marathon. There, surrounded by majestic beauty, both Angela and Eva begin their discovery of purpose, passion, and ultimately God.
I really loved the heroes of the story. Marc and Simon are loyal, steadfast, and so wonderfully tender. Their faithfulness to Eva and Angela is incredible, even when they are hurt and intentionally pushed away by the women they love. But my favorite character from the story has to be the women's mother-in-law Sherry. After losing her husband and two sons within such a short time span, Sherry remains the spiritual rock for the women, a constant source of encouragement and helping hand. I want to be just like her!
Written with melodic voice and heart-wrenching honesty, The Joy of Falling will linger in your mind and heart long after you've finished the book. Any contemporary romance fan will love this book. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Once again Lindsay Harrel masterfully weaves together broken and raw emotions into a beautiful tapestry of hope, faith, discovery, and victory while sensitively and artfully addressing grief from different perspectives. The heroines of the story are two sisters-in-law, bound by grief of having lost their husbands in one terrible accident. They are complete opposites, Angela being the type A control freak who wears anger like her second skin as she struggles to get by as a single mom of three and Eva being the free-spirited and gifted florist who is drowning in sorrow and darkness. Eva was easier to relate to because her emotions flowed freely on the pages but she had a lot of soul-searching and growing up to do to overcome fear. Angela was more difficult to figure out, mostly because she herself didn't know who she was anymore. Regrets and broken dreams haunt Angela until they land in New Zealand to train for and run an ultra marathon. There, surrounded by majestic beauty, both Angela and Eva begin their discovery of purpose, passion, and ultimately God.
I really loved the heroes of the story. Marc and Simon are loyal, steadfast, and so wonderfully tender. Their faithfulness to Eva and Angela is incredible, even when they are hurt and intentionally pushed away by the women they love. But my favorite character from the story has to be the women's mother-in-law Sherry. After losing her husband and two sons within such a short time span, Sherry remains the spiritual rock for the women, a constant source of encouragement and helping hand. I want to be just like her!
Written with melodic voice and heart-wrenching honesty, The Joy of Falling will linger in your mind and heart long after you've finished the book. Any contemporary romance fan will love this book. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
April 18, 2020
This is a great book!
I liked both Angela and Eva and was rooting for them from the start. It was really cool that this book is largely set in New Zealand, I loved getting to armchair travel! This book does a great job of tackling the topic of grief in a realistic way without it ever being depressing, and it's a hopeful inspiring read.
As someone who is very much a non-runner I had no idea there was even such a thing as an ultra-marathon, wow, I'm always so impressed by marathon runners but someone who can traverse more than 150 miles on foot in a week's time? Double wow!
I didn't really connect with this book as much as I did with this author's two previous novels (The Heart Between Us, and The Secrets of Paper and Ink) and I don't really know why that was, but I did still enjoy it!
The Joy of Falling is a great reminder that joy is found not in our circumstances but in knowing that God loves us and that He is right there with us through it all, both the good and the bad! In these scary and uncertain times I know this is something that I personally need to be reminded of on an almost daily basis. I highly recommend The Joy of Falling, and I'm eagerly anticipating whatever Lindsay Harrel writes next!
(4 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
I liked both Angela and Eva and was rooting for them from the start. It was really cool that this book is largely set in New Zealand, I loved getting to armchair travel! This book does a great job of tackling the topic of grief in a realistic way without it ever being depressing, and it's a hopeful inspiring read.
As someone who is very much a non-runner I had no idea there was even such a thing as an ultra-marathon, wow, I'm always so impressed by marathon runners but someone who can traverse more than 150 miles on foot in a week's time? Double wow!
I didn't really connect with this book as much as I did with this author's two previous novels (The Heart Between Us, and The Secrets of Paper and Ink) and I don't really know why that was, but I did still enjoy it!
The Joy of Falling is a great reminder that joy is found not in our circumstances but in knowing that God loves us and that He is right there with us through it all, both the good and the bad! In these scary and uncertain times I know this is something that I personally need to be reminded of on an almost daily basis. I highly recommend The Joy of Falling, and I'm eagerly anticipating whatever Lindsay Harrel writes next!
(4 Stars!)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own!
March 11, 2020
This was a really sweet story. This novel is about sisters-in-laws Eva and Angels who both lost their husbands (both brothers) in a tragic accident and moving on in their lives without them. They both agreed to enter an ultra marathon in New Zealand their husbands were planning to do with their best friend Marc. Throughout the journey, they both soon to learn more about themselves. I like reading about the preparation of the race, the training, and the marathon. The romances were both sweet and I like that they weren’t rushed. I found this story inspiring. So many great words to live life by. The spiritual aspect was really nice, too. I love how the Sherry, the mom-in-law, talked about joy bring different from happiness. With joy, you can trust God when things don’t turn out the way we hoped. It wasn’t preachy but it was woven throughout the story.
All of the secondary characters were great in this story and added to it really well.
I definitely recommend this story!
All of the secondary characters were great in this story and added to it really well.
I definitely recommend this story!
April 17, 2020
This story are told from Ava and Angela point of views. Ava and Angela were sister-in-law and lost their husband in a diving accident at the same time. I feel bad for Sherry their mother-in-law because she lost her husband few years ago then lost 2 sons at the same time. I can't imagine the pain. But she seems calm and wow one day I wish I have a good mother-in-law like her. I love the way she support Ava and Angela.
I hate Angela at first but then I start liking her at the end lol I hate the way she treat Eva when Eva convinces Angela to join the marathon taking their husbands place and to honor them.
This story shows how people grief in a different way. How they learn to dream and love again.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for this amazing ARC!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I hate Angela at first but then I start liking her at the end lol I hate the way she treat Eva when Eva convinces Angela to join the marathon taking their husbands place and to honor them.
This story shows how people grief in a different way. How they learn to dream and love again.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for this amazing ARC!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
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