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If I Fall
A powerful and unforgettable story of love and friendship, perfect for readers of Alice Peterson, Amanda Prowse and Lianne MoriartyIt s fifteen years since graduation, and Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla have managed to remain close despite the odds. They ve supported each other throughout, but are some things too big for friendshipConnie is desperate for a perfect family life, Jonas is feeling the pressure at work, Layla s career is unravelling and JJ s past is catching up with him. Breaking point isn t far away...When they stumble and fall, who will be there to catch them
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2019
46 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Ella Harper
40 books59 followersElla Harper learned foreign languages, and imagined she might eventually get a glamorous job speaking French. After climbing her way up the banking ladder, Ella started idly mapping out the beginnings of a novel on an old laptop.
When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
When she realised her characters were more real to her than dividends and corporate actions ever could be, she left her job to become a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 30, 2024
4.25 Stars
Four friends (Connie, Jonas, Layla, JJ) at the last day of universty promised each other that they always look out for one another. Now after fifteen years, they are still friends. Connie and Jonas are with each other and have two girls. Connie was an ex-journaist and now she is a stay-at-home mum. Jonas is a criminal solicitor. His job is all consuming and sressfull. He had worked so hard to get where he was now and he still was ambitious. Layla is a therapist. Her mother is ill and she has no one other than Layla to look after her. She can't have a real life for herself between caring for her mother and her job. JJ is a personal trainer and a womanizer. They all have their own secrets, demons to fight, struggling with life, and fighting with the darkness within themselves, so when they fall…
I think this was my first read in the Women’s Fiction category and I really enjoyed it! This story was more about family and friendship, that sometimes your friends are all you have, the only family you have, the ones you can trust and rely on. Hmmm, this book made me think if one day I fell, who’s gonna take my hand!?!?! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, well-written, well-paced with well-developed characters, and quite an intense and emotional read. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Four friends (Connie, Jonas, Layla, JJ) at the last day of universty promised each other that they always look out for one another. Now after fifteen years, they are still friends. Connie and Jonas are with each other and have two girls. Connie was an ex-journaist and now she is a stay-at-home mum. Jonas is a criminal solicitor. His job is all consuming and sressfull. He had worked so hard to get where he was now and he still was ambitious. Layla is a therapist. Her mother is ill and she has no one other than Layla to look after her. She can't have a real life for herself between caring for her mother and her job. JJ is a personal trainer and a womanizer. They all have their own secrets, demons to fight, struggling with life, and fighting with the darkness within themselves, so when they fall…
I think this was my first read in the Women’s Fiction category and I really enjoyed it! This story was more about family and friendship, that sometimes your friends are all you have, the only family you have, the ones you can trust and rely on. Hmmm, this book made me think if one day I fell, who’s gonna take my hand!?!?! Told in multiple POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, well-written, well-paced with well-developed characters, and quite an intense and emotional read. Overall, loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
February 10, 2018
Sobering, compelling, and incredibly intense!
If I Fall is a complex, character-driven novel that delves into how much friendships can define us and highlights how secrets, lies, and unspoken words can emotionally and psychologically impact them.
The writing is somber and raw. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, and broken. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging, edgy tale about life, loss, love, heartbreak, deception, jealousy, abuse, friendship, and family.
If I Fall is truly a poignant novel that reminds us that life is unpredictable and full of ups and downs and true friends are those who are there not only in the good times, but more importantly during the hard ones.
Thank you to Ella Harper and Canelo for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
If I Fall is a complex, character-driven novel that delves into how much friendships can define us and highlights how secrets, lies, and unspoken words can emotionally and psychologically impact them.
The writing is somber and raw. The characters are multifaceted, desperate, and broken. And the plot, using multiple perspectives, is an engaging, edgy tale about life, loss, love, heartbreak, deception, jealousy, abuse, friendship, and family.
If I Fall is truly a poignant novel that reminds us that life is unpredictable and full of ups and downs and true friends are those who are there not only in the good times, but more importantly during the hard ones.
Thank you to Ella Harper and Canelo for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
January 2, 2018
The story revolves around 4 friends and their lives. Each one has a secret, each one has their cross to bear till one of them decides that life is a bit too difficult and takes a drastic step.
I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do...
My first book by Ella Harper, and she is fantastic in parts. All the characters are well etched, their story starts from university days and fifteen years hence. But the author has not concentrated much on the past but has described their lives all in the present.
The story started slow, picked up the right momentum, but the ending felt rushed to me. The parts where each of them are going through their troubled times are well described, Ella made me feel their pain. But then it fritters away. The writing has its own crests and troughs.
The story could hold my attention to the extent that I could finish the book in a day. The plot line was clichéd but yet interesting. I like reading about friends and their lives. Ella has also added a bit of suspense, as the reader is kept in the dark about the friend who has reached the depths, to never rise again.
Ella has brought forth abuse in the topic, and it is dealt sensitively, but there is also a rawness to it. That made the entire scene extremely real. There are a lot of dramatic scenes to add to the plot. They bring their own flavor and twists.
There are few niggles; the ending was rushed, the story got over before I was ready for it to be over. So I was left feeling a little empty. The epilogue could have been written better, I wanted something more, maybe more emotions..
But I had fun reading this book, and I can recommend it to everyone who likes a contemporary story about friends. A good read for a silent afternoon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Canelo, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do...
My first book by Ella Harper, and she is fantastic in parts. All the characters are well etched, their story starts from university days and fifteen years hence. But the author has not concentrated much on the past but has described their lives all in the present.
The story started slow, picked up the right momentum, but the ending felt rushed to me. The parts where each of them are going through their troubled times are well described, Ella made me feel their pain. But then it fritters away. The writing has its own crests and troughs.
The story could hold my attention to the extent that I could finish the book in a day. The plot line was clichéd but yet interesting. I like reading about friends and their lives. Ella has also added a bit of suspense, as the reader is kept in the dark about the friend who has reached the depths, to never rise again.
Ella has brought forth abuse in the topic, and it is dealt sensitively, but there is also a rawness to it. That made the entire scene extremely real. There are a lot of dramatic scenes to add to the plot. They bring their own flavor and twists.
There are few niggles; the ending was rushed, the story got over before I was ready for it to be over. So I was left feeling a little empty. The epilogue could have been written better, I wanted something more, maybe more emotions..
But I had fun reading this book, and I can recommend it to everyone who likes a contemporary story about friends. A good read for a silent afternoon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Canelo, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 19, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, Canelo for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Ellie from Canelo for organising the blog tour and allowing me to be part of it.
A story about four friends who have all been close friends since university. JJ is a fitness instructor, single and unable to commit to a relationship. Layla is a counsellor who is also looking after her mum who has dementia. Jonas and Connie are married with two teenage daughters. Jonas is a lawyer who is feeling the pressure at work and Connie gave up her career to stay at home and look after the children. They’ve all supported each other for years, but they all have secrets that they haven’t shared with each other. What happens when those secrets come tumbling out?
My first Ella Harper book. The blurb didn’t really give much away so I went into it not really knowing how it was going to play out. The prologue of the book began with one of the friends being dealt with by paramedics following a suicide attempt. You don’t know which one of the friends it was, and you don’t know if they survive or not. As you read the book you realise it could be any one of the four friends as they are all hiding devastating secrets from everyone and each other. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters. What I thought was going to be a bit of a wishy-washy love/friendship saga turned out to be a tale of friendship, love, family and heartbreak.
As you are introduced to each of the four characters, you form your own opinion of them as the story moves on. To be honest, I felt for all the characters as each of their own individual problems are difficult in their own way. I guess initially I felt the most empathy towards Layla. I have worked in elderly care and know that it’s not an easy job – less easier when it’s your own parent. As the story moved on my feelings for each of the different characters changed. I thought Jonas was a horrible man, never taking any responsibility for anything he did, but every now and then he showed a caring side, just a pity it was never towards his wife! Connie, I felt, was your typical abused wife defending her bully husband, making excuses for him and not packing her bag and leaving. I did feel for her but was also willing her to just pluck up the courage and just go. JJ was an intriguing one – he obviously had a secret to do with his father, but I just didn’t guess what.
Four heart-breaking stories rolled into one equals a book of tears and sadness. I really enjoyed this one and got through it quickly in less than a day. It’s sensitively written broaching on upsetting subjects such as domestic violence and abuse and gives a real rollercoaster of emotions. I loved the way you didn’t know who had tried to take their own life until the end because, to be honest, it could have been any of them. Highly recommended, but be prepared for tears!
A story about four friends who have all been close friends since university. JJ is a fitness instructor, single and unable to commit to a relationship. Layla is a counsellor who is also looking after her mum who has dementia. Jonas and Connie are married with two teenage daughters. Jonas is a lawyer who is feeling the pressure at work and Connie gave up her career to stay at home and look after the children. They’ve all supported each other for years, but they all have secrets that they haven’t shared with each other. What happens when those secrets come tumbling out?
My first Ella Harper book. The blurb didn’t really give much away so I went into it not really knowing how it was going to play out. The prologue of the book began with one of the friends being dealt with by paramedics following a suicide attempt. You don’t know which one of the friends it was, and you don’t know if they survive or not. As you read the book you realise it could be any one of the four friends as they are all hiding devastating secrets from everyone and each other. Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters. What I thought was going to be a bit of a wishy-washy love/friendship saga turned out to be a tale of friendship, love, family and heartbreak.
As you are introduced to each of the four characters, you form your own opinion of them as the story moves on. To be honest, I felt for all the characters as each of their own individual problems are difficult in their own way. I guess initially I felt the most empathy towards Layla. I have worked in elderly care and know that it’s not an easy job – less easier when it’s your own parent. As the story moved on my feelings for each of the different characters changed. I thought Jonas was a horrible man, never taking any responsibility for anything he did, but every now and then he showed a caring side, just a pity it was never towards his wife! Connie, I felt, was your typical abused wife defending her bully husband, making excuses for him and not packing her bag and leaving. I did feel for her but was also willing her to just pluck up the courage and just go. JJ was an intriguing one – he obviously had a secret to do with his father, but I just didn’t guess what.
Four heart-breaking stories rolled into one equals a book of tears and sadness. I really enjoyed this one and got through it quickly in less than a day. It’s sensitively written broaching on upsetting subjects such as domestic violence and abuse and gives a real rollercoaster of emotions. I loved the way you didn’t know who had tried to take their own life until the end because, to be honest, it could have been any of them. Highly recommended, but be prepared for tears!
March 18, 2018
I have been in somewhat of a reading slump recently for one reason and another and was looking for something to pull me out of it. I have had this one from Ella Harper on my TBR list for a while and being in somewhat of a crossroads in my life at the moment it looked liked the perfect book choice.
Firstly, I absolutely adore the cover of this one. The colours, the relaxed nature of the friends taking time to just be together and watch the view – beautiful!
The story begins with a letter that is tough to read as it starts with the line I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do…
I struggled at the beginning of this novel as I have to be honest, I didn’t love the characters in their university years. I found them a little bit annoying if truth be told, I was worried that I would continue to struggle throughout the book. Thankfully Ella then brings us back to the current lived of the four friends Connie, Jonas, Layla and JJ and made me fall in love with them all especially JJ who I have to admit to having a huge soft spot for.
Every one of the four characters in this book is going through a very tough life issue, whether it’s incredible work stress & depression, relationship troubles, learning to deal with a past life or the stress of dealing with a sick relative. What I found fantastic about Ella’s writing is the fact that the issues mentioned in the book were so well written. I have some experience of a few of the issues in this book, whether personally or through friends and I was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout as the feelings and emotions portrayed were just so strikingly true.
Layla’s story broke my heart so many times, I can only imagine Ella has had some experience of dealing with an ill relative as the rollercoaster of emotions in Layla’s story as she watched her mother decline further into her illness was incredibly powerful. I can imagine that anyone who has cared for an ailing relative can understand her moments of anger, fear, and frustration.
I do think it’s worth mentioning without spoiling the story that there are two situations in the book which could be triggering for some who have been victims of abusive relationships in various forms. While the two situations were sensitively and emotionally written, I do think it’s worth noting. While I think these need to be talked about in novels like If I Fall, I think they need to be handled sensitively like has been done here, without taking away any of the edge or power that the storylines had. They were so emotive and Connie’s story especially struck a chord with me and I was willing her to find a way to sort things out.
This was an up until 2am novel and by the time I finished the last page I was wrung out. I had been through all the emotions from fear to compassion, sadness and anger to happiness. I had moments of just wanting to reach into the book and rescue the from the hurt and pain. But one thing I found in this novel was hope, hope that things can be overcome with the right love and support things came improve and while nothing is a quick fix there is light in the darkness.
Firstly, I absolutely adore the cover of this one. The colours, the relaxed nature of the friends taking time to just be together and watch the view – beautiful!
The story begins with a letter that is tough to read as it starts with the line I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do…
I struggled at the beginning of this novel as I have to be honest, I didn’t love the characters in their university years. I found them a little bit annoying if truth be told, I was worried that I would continue to struggle throughout the book. Thankfully Ella then brings us back to the current lived of the four friends Connie, Jonas, Layla and JJ and made me fall in love with them all especially JJ who I have to admit to having a huge soft spot for.
Every one of the four characters in this book is going through a very tough life issue, whether it’s incredible work stress & depression, relationship troubles, learning to deal with a past life or the stress of dealing with a sick relative. What I found fantastic about Ella’s writing is the fact that the issues mentioned in the book were so well written. I have some experience of a few of the issues in this book, whether personally or through friends and I was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout as the feelings and emotions portrayed were just so strikingly true.
Layla’s story broke my heart so many times, I can only imagine Ella has had some experience of dealing with an ill relative as the rollercoaster of emotions in Layla’s story as she watched her mother decline further into her illness was incredibly powerful. I can imagine that anyone who has cared for an ailing relative can understand her moments of anger, fear, and frustration.
I do think it’s worth mentioning without spoiling the story that there are two situations in the book which could be triggering for some who have been victims of abusive relationships in various forms. While the two situations were sensitively and emotionally written, I do think it’s worth noting. While I think these need to be talked about in novels like If I Fall, I think they need to be handled sensitively like has been done here, without taking away any of the edge or power that the storylines had. They were so emotive and Connie’s story especially struck a chord with me and I was willing her to find a way to sort things out.
This was an up until 2am novel and by the time I finished the last page I was wrung out. I had been through all the emotions from fear to compassion, sadness and anger to happiness. I had moments of just wanting to reach into the book and rescue the from the hurt and pain. But one thing I found in this novel was hope, hope that things can be overcome with the right love and support things came improve and while nothing is a quick fix there is light in the darkness.
January 9, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
An unsigned suicide note is the opener for this book.
Fifteen years have passed since four friends graduated from university together.
Connie, a former journalist turned blogger and mother of two girls.
Jonas, a solicitor married to Connie but struggling to cope with his extremely stressful workload.
JJ, a personal trainer who flits from one woman to another whilst struggling to contain his inner demons.
Layla, a counsellor who is trying to balance running her own business with the care of her increasingly deteriorating mother.
We never know really what is happening to other people and what happens behind closed doors. The strains and stresses of everyday life can be extremely wearing both mentally and physically. This book captures the emotional fallout of different types of problems and the effect they can have on work, family plus emotional and physical wellbeing. Who you think is outwardly the strongest person is not always the case. This book deals with abuse, emotional, sexual and physical, Alzheimers and general family dynamics. It is told in a thoughtful but gut wrenching way and I really felt torn with these four main characters. It was easy to dislike one but still feel empathy for them. A riveting distressing story.
An unsigned suicide note is the opener for this book.
Fifteen years have passed since four friends graduated from university together.
Connie, a former journalist turned blogger and mother of two girls.
Jonas, a solicitor married to Connie but struggling to cope with his extremely stressful workload.
JJ, a personal trainer who flits from one woman to another whilst struggling to contain his inner demons.
Layla, a counsellor who is trying to balance running her own business with the care of her increasingly deteriorating mother.
We never know really what is happening to other people and what happens behind closed doors. The strains and stresses of everyday life can be extremely wearing both mentally and physically. This book captures the emotional fallout of different types of problems and the effect they can have on work, family plus emotional and physical wellbeing. Who you think is outwardly the strongest person is not always the case. This book deals with abuse, emotional, sexual and physical, Alzheimers and general family dynamics. It is told in a thoughtful but gut wrenching way and I really felt torn with these four main characters. It was easy to dislike one but still feel empathy for them. A riveting distressing story.
January 14, 2018
Ella Harper strikes again. She hit us hard with Pieces Of You, which was an amazing book and here she does it again. With four friends who are at uni together and remain friends 15 years on. A miracle in its self, but no friendship is without trouble and these four have it brewing. First we have a Failing layer, a self employed psychotherapist who's mother is becoming more dependant on her daughter, a personal trainer who's past is coming for him and then Connie who is a mother and blogger who's life is just taking turns for the worst daily. All four are trying to keep their heads above water but not relying on each other at all. Then one tries to end it all and they realise they should all be looking out for each other..
The story is brilliant and hit home about dementia, wife beating and sexual abuse, which in some cases can be hard to read, but she does it in a not to dramatic way that is sympathetic to the case. Most of the way through the book i was totally hooked, but i have to say in parts i felt to much was given away when there is hints to what could come and feel they would of been better served cold. The shock level would of made this one of the best books i had read in along time. Having said that it is an amazing book which will have most sat on the edge of their seat.
The story is brilliant and hit home about dementia, wife beating and sexual abuse, which in some cases can be hard to read, but she does it in a not to dramatic way that is sympathetic to the case. Most of the way through the book i was totally hooked, but i have to say in parts i felt to much was given away when there is hints to what could come and feel they would of been better served cold. The shock level would of made this one of the best books i had read in along time. Having said that it is an amazing book which will have most sat on the edge of their seat.
January 11, 2018
The book follows four friends after a friendship at University. Connie and Jonas are married, she had a relationship that ended abruptly with JJ. Layla is a psychotherapist who is dealing with her mothers early onset dementia. JJ seems unable to settle down with anyone.
All 4 friends have problems they aren't sharing with their friends and we are left to wonder who might 'fall'. You feel for each character in turn- although I must admit it's more difficult to find empathy for Jonas. You are desperate to know what is going to happen to each of them and it keeps you turning the pages.
All 4 friends have problems they aren't sharing with their friends and we are left to wonder who might 'fall'. You feel for each character in turn- although I must admit it's more difficult to find empathy for Jonas. You are desperate to know what is going to happen to each of them and it keeps you turning the pages.
January 8, 2018
I started this book quite a while ago but only read about 2% of it. Then I picked it up to read it and couldn’t put it down, I read the whole thing in a day !!
Read my review on my blog : candysbookcase.wordpress.com
Read my review on my blog : candysbookcase.wordpress.com
February 12, 2018
I finished this book a couple of days ago and didn't write the review straight away, and when I came to write it I had to flick back through the book to refresh my memory - that pretty much sums the impact that 'If I Fall' had on me!
The book starts off with several characters, which took me several chapters to get my head round. I'd much rather the characters are introduced more gradually to allow you time to work out what on earth is going on, rather than having to refresh the plot every time you pick up the book to read a new chapter.
On the whole I think this is supposed to be a heart-warming book about friendships and relationships, showing that although we all experience the trials and tribulations of everyday life, at the end of the day there is always someone to catch us as we fall. All very sickeningly sweet, but unfortunately I don't think the idea was executed very well. The plot was dull, and I didn't feel truly invested in any of the characters, with none of them particularly likable. Each of the characters has their own issues and obstacles in finding their happiness, and it was cleverly told in terms of the way the characters' stories all linked together. However, the ending was very rushed and it felt like the author had a word limit, found they were quickly approaching it, and then attempted to tie up all of the loose ends.
The writing was of a high quality, but the plot was not executed as well as I'd hoped.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.
The book starts off with several characters, which took me several chapters to get my head round. I'd much rather the characters are introduced more gradually to allow you time to work out what on earth is going on, rather than having to refresh the plot every time you pick up the book to read a new chapter.
On the whole I think this is supposed to be a heart-warming book about friendships and relationships, showing that although we all experience the trials and tribulations of everyday life, at the end of the day there is always someone to catch us as we fall. All very sickeningly sweet, but unfortunately I don't think the idea was executed very well. The plot was dull, and I didn't feel truly invested in any of the characters, with none of them particularly likable. Each of the characters has their own issues and obstacles in finding their happiness, and it was cleverly told in terms of the way the characters' stories all linked together. However, the ending was very rushed and it felt like the author had a word limit, found they were quickly approaching it, and then attempted to tie up all of the loose ends.
The writing was of a high quality, but the plot was not executed as well as I'd hoped.
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.
February 3, 2018
In Ella Harper’s new novel If I Fall we are presented with four characters and we are asked t look at how much they have changed over 15 years. Obviously that change is going to be massive. Are you the same person you were fifteen years ago? Presumably not. Like our four main characters – JJ, Connie, Jonas and Layla – chances are you have grown up. Your goals, ambitions, worries and lifestyles have changed. What is interesting about If I Fall is that the friendship that this group of people are clinging on to is built on lies and deceit.
Modern day problems have taken over their lives and the carefree nature of their youth has gone. It is addictive watching the lives unfold and I often found myself telling the characters not to make the wrong decisions which they inevitably did.
Ella Harper has written a winning story that will keep you glued to your book until the very last page. It is full of intrigue and drama and If I Fall definitely deserves a place on your to be read pile. Put it there now!
If I Fall by Ella Harper is available now.
For more information regarding Ella Harper (@Ella_Harper) please visit www.ellaharper.co.uk.
For more information regarding Canelo (@Canelo_co) please visit www.canelo.co.
Modern day problems have taken over their lives and the carefree nature of their youth has gone. It is addictive watching the lives unfold and I often found myself telling the characters not to make the wrong decisions which they inevitably did.
Ella Harper has written a winning story that will keep you glued to your book until the very last page. It is full of intrigue and drama and If I Fall definitely deserves a place on your to be read pile. Put it there now!
If I Fall by Ella Harper is available now.
For more information regarding Ella Harper (@Ella_Harper) please visit www.ellaharper.co.uk.
For more information regarding Canelo (@Canelo_co) please visit www.canelo.co.
January 22, 2018
This is a riveting novel of relationships, secrets, lies, and consequences .. and it is addictive from the brief prologue.
Connie, Layla, Jonas and JJ attended university together and although two of them had a romance then, they’re not the two who went on to share married life. They have all gone on to have successful careers in their chosen field. Each of them, from the outside, look happy and settled but then the world doesn’t see the demons behind the facade. The one thing all four have in common is stress, and don’t we all have that in our lives in varying degrees? Just as good times bring friends together, bad times mean we lean on them that much more …
This could easily be a true story. It’s not hard to see the various events happening even now behind closed doors which is a chilling, if realistic, thought. Well drawn characters and great writing make this a very readable novel, one which I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
My thanks to publishers Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Connie, Layla, Jonas and JJ attended university together and although two of them had a romance then, they’re not the two who went on to share married life. They have all gone on to have successful careers in their chosen field. Each of them, from the outside, look happy and settled but then the world doesn’t see the demons behind the facade. The one thing all four have in common is stress, and don’t we all have that in our lives in varying degrees? Just as good times bring friends together, bad times mean we lean on them that much more …
This could easily be a true story. It’s not hard to see the various events happening even now behind closed doors which is a chilling, if realistic, thought. Well drawn characters and great writing make this a very readable novel, one which I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
My thanks to publishers Canelo for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
April 1, 2018
If I Fall is a complex, character driven novel, that will have you gripped from the minute you start reading it. Sometimes amusing, at times sobering, it explores four characters initially at high school but very quickly fast forwards to the present time to see exactly where they are today. I’ve read Ella Harper’s book – Pieces of You – and so I was happy about the quality of this one before I started reading it. Nevertheless it was even better than I imagined.
Four university friends, four devastating secrets.
I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do…
It’s fifteen years since graduation, and Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla have managed to remain close despite the odds. They’ve supported each other, but are some things too big for friendship?
Connie is desperate to maintain the veneer of perfect family life.
Jonas is feeling the pressure at work.
Layla’s career is unravelling thanks to her ill mother
JJ’s past is catching up with him.
When they stumble and fall, who will be there to catch them?
Four university friends, four devastating secrets.
I’m really sorry for what I’m about to do…
It’s fifteen years since graduation, and Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla have managed to remain close despite the odds. They’ve supported each other, but are some things too big for friendship?
Connie is desperate to maintain the veneer of perfect family life.
Jonas is feeling the pressure at work.
Layla’s career is unravelling thanks to her ill mother
JJ’s past is catching up with him.
When they stumble and fall, who will be there to catch them?
January 7, 2018
Well written book and enjoyed the chapters being from the perspectives of the various characters- some of which I liked more than others! I would like to have got to have known some of the characters back stories a little more...maybe an idea for a further book?
February 13, 2018
I received a digital ARC of this book from #NetGalley for an honest review. This was the first time I have come across anything by Ella Harper and I am very impressed. I will definitely be looking to read more of her work if this is anything to go by! The cover of this book makes it seem like it will be a light hearted book - let me tell you now, it's not. This is definitely one of those books where you need to invest some time and sit and read for an hour of so at a time. If you try dipping in and out, reading a chapter a night, you will easily get confused over what is happening to each character and how it all fits together.
Numerous difficult and challenging themes are addressed in this book, including suicide, dementia, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Layla's story of her mum really got to me, as someone who's had personal experience of a family member with dementia. It really resonated with me and was portrayed very well I feel, so I applaud Ella Harper for that.
The book starts with a suicide note so all the way through you are trying to work out who wrote it. The entire way through the book I still hadn't worked it out; it could have been any of the 4 friends as they all face difficulties in their lives and reach their own low points, where they feel desperate and alone. They all had issues and secrets to deal with, and were all struggling. It kept me guessing right until it was revealed. The epilogue wraps the whole story up nicely and updates the reader on events over the six months since the suicide note was found.
#IfIFall is a very intense and emotional book to read, but it is one that will stay with me for a long time to come, and one I will definitely be recommending.
Numerous difficult and challenging themes are addressed in this book, including suicide, dementia, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Layla's story of her mum really got to me, as someone who's had personal experience of a family member with dementia. It really resonated with me and was portrayed very well I feel, so I applaud Ella Harper for that.
The book starts with a suicide note so all the way through you are trying to work out who wrote it. The entire way through the book I still hadn't worked it out; it could have been any of the 4 friends as they all face difficulties in their lives and reach their own low points, where they feel desperate and alone. They all had issues and secrets to deal with, and were all struggling. It kept me guessing right until it was revealed. The epilogue wraps the whole story up nicely and updates the reader on events over the six months since the suicide note was found.
#IfIFall is a very intense and emotional book to read, but it is one that will stay with me for a long time to come, and one I will definitely be recommending.
January 4, 2018
If I Fall is a heart-wrenching, realistic story of four friends who realize life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect. Torn apart by secrets and internal struggles, who will catch them when they all hit rock bottom?
If I Fall opens with four college students—JJ, Layla, Jonas, and Connie—dreaming about their future. They have it all figured out, as college students do. JJ will become a fitness instructor, Layla will be a psychiatrist, Connie will be a journalist, and Jonas will become an attorney. And, of course, they’ll all live happily ever after.
Flash forward fifteen years, and life hasn’t turned out exactly how they planned. Despite still being good friends, they’re all keeping secrets from each other, and these secrets are threatening to weigh them down. Jonas is bucking for a partner position, and in the meantime, he’s starting to bow under the stress of his job and his resentment towards his boss is growing to unhealthy heights. JJ has become a womanizer, alone and seeking the love he lost in college. Layla’s convinced her mother has dementia, but she’s afraid to get her diagnosed, because for now, she can live in denial, but once it’s official, the problem becomes all too real. Connie is a stay-at-home mother running a blog and trying her best to support her husband, Jonas.
Everything comes to a head as their worlds fall apart, and though they swore to be there for each other, they’re all hiding a secret that has the potential to destroy their worlds. A dark presence from JJ’s past, one he’s refused to tell anyone about, has come to call. Layla realizes she can’t care for her mother and have a life of her own. Jonas begins to resent all the pressure he’s under and goes on a self-destructive bent. And Connie is realizing that maybe her marriage is beyond saving.
All four find themselves falling, hitting rock bottom, and in their most desperate moments, they contemplate the truth about life and whether it’s even worth living.
The Good:
- Ella Harper creates fabulous, relatable characters. As the book is character-driven, this is important. They ranged the emotional gambit, and every one of them felt realistic and fleshed-out. More importantly, I cared about them, because their situations were ones that people I’ve known have faced, and the way they approached them felt genuine and authentic.
- There’s a very strong theme of falling and having someone to catch you that carried throughout the book, and that was really well done. It was thought-provoking and, at times, gut-wrenching. By the end, it was clear what a devastating effect secrets can have, even when they’re well-intended. Sometimes soldiering on isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
- I couldn’t put it down. I went without sleep to finish this book, because by midway through, I was fully invested. I could see things spiraling, and of course I wanted a happy ending, and darn it, I was going to see it through at that point.
- If I Fall touches on a lot of very painful life events, but it doesn’t go easy on it. It shows the struggles for what they are, all the messy, brutalness of it. At the same time, there are plenty of funny moments. It’s not all doom and gloom. At the heart of the characters, like people, they want to be happy and lead good lives, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Bad:
- The book opens with a prologue. It’s intentionally kept mysterious, but there’s no indication of how it fits in with the story. Names are intentionally not used. It’s not mentioned or brought up again until almost 90% of the way through the book. I didn’t even know where it sat in the timeline. I found that extremely frustrating. It all made sense and tied up nicely in the end, of course, but I found the lead-in with that more of a detriment than anything.
- At some points, especially towards the middle of the book, the struggles became repetitive. It was a will she/won’t she situation, especially with Connie, to the point where I just wanted to shake her and tell her to make a decision and move on with it. This is a double-edged sword, because it’s realistic, and the way the character approached her struggles was realistic, but at the same time, it was annoying to read.
- Jonas. Just everything about his character by mid-story was ugh. I guess you can’t like everyone in life, so this is also a double-edged sword. The character is realistic. But that doesn’t make him likeable. But since he’s a point of view character, it makes it hard getting through his chapters when you just can’t stand the guy.
- The end wrapped up far too quickly and too neatly. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I will say that it felt extremely rushed. The end end was fine, and I was content with the actual ending, but the denouement left much to be desired. I’ll just leave it at that.
All in all, I’d give it a solid four stars. It starts a little slow, which is to be expected for a character-driven novel, as you get used to the characters and start to get attached. But as I said, I couldn’t put it down once it built up. The struggle was so realistic, and I easily empathized with them all. In the end, the themes are things we all face: how do we cope when life doesn’t turn out the way we had expected, and who will pull us up when we hit rock bottom? If I Fall would definitely make my 2018 must-read list.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If I Fall opens with four college students—JJ, Layla, Jonas, and Connie—dreaming about their future. They have it all figured out, as college students do. JJ will become a fitness instructor, Layla will be a psychiatrist, Connie will be a journalist, and Jonas will become an attorney. And, of course, they’ll all live happily ever after.
Flash forward fifteen years, and life hasn’t turned out exactly how they planned. Despite still being good friends, they’re all keeping secrets from each other, and these secrets are threatening to weigh them down. Jonas is bucking for a partner position, and in the meantime, he’s starting to bow under the stress of his job and his resentment towards his boss is growing to unhealthy heights. JJ has become a womanizer, alone and seeking the love he lost in college. Layla’s convinced her mother has dementia, but she’s afraid to get her diagnosed, because for now, she can live in denial, but once it’s official, the problem becomes all too real. Connie is a stay-at-home mother running a blog and trying her best to support her husband, Jonas.
Everything comes to a head as their worlds fall apart, and though they swore to be there for each other, they’re all hiding a secret that has the potential to destroy their worlds. A dark presence from JJ’s past, one he’s refused to tell anyone about, has come to call. Layla realizes she can’t care for her mother and have a life of her own. Jonas begins to resent all the pressure he’s under and goes on a self-destructive bent. And Connie is realizing that maybe her marriage is beyond saving.
All four find themselves falling, hitting rock bottom, and in their most desperate moments, they contemplate the truth about life and whether it’s even worth living.
The Good:
- Ella Harper creates fabulous, relatable characters. As the book is character-driven, this is important. They ranged the emotional gambit, and every one of them felt realistic and fleshed-out. More importantly, I cared about them, because their situations were ones that people I’ve known have faced, and the way they approached them felt genuine and authentic.
- There’s a very strong theme of falling and having someone to catch you that carried throughout the book, and that was really well done. It was thought-provoking and, at times, gut-wrenching. By the end, it was clear what a devastating effect secrets can have, even when they’re well-intended. Sometimes soldiering on isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
- I couldn’t put it down. I went without sleep to finish this book, because by midway through, I was fully invested. I could see things spiraling, and of course I wanted a happy ending, and darn it, I was going to see it through at that point.
- If I Fall touches on a lot of very painful life events, but it doesn’t go easy on it. It shows the struggles for what they are, all the messy, brutalness of it. At the same time, there are plenty of funny moments. It’s not all doom and gloom. At the heart of the characters, like people, they want to be happy and lead good lives, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.
The Bad:
- The book opens with a prologue. It’s intentionally kept mysterious, but there’s no indication of how it fits in with the story. Names are intentionally not used. It’s not mentioned or brought up again until almost 90% of the way through the book. I didn’t even know where it sat in the timeline. I found that extremely frustrating. It all made sense and tied up nicely in the end, of course, but I found the lead-in with that more of a detriment than anything.
- At some points, especially towards the middle of the book, the struggles became repetitive. It was a will she/won’t she situation, especially with Connie, to the point where I just wanted to shake her and tell her to make a decision and move on with it. This is a double-edged sword, because it’s realistic, and the way the character approached her struggles was realistic, but at the same time, it was annoying to read.
- Jonas. Just everything about his character by mid-story was ugh. I guess you can’t like everyone in life, so this is also a double-edged sword. The character is realistic. But that doesn’t make him likeable. But since he’s a point of view character, it makes it hard getting through his chapters when you just can’t stand the guy.
- The end wrapped up far too quickly and too neatly. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I will say that it felt extremely rushed. The end end was fine, and I was content with the actual ending, but the denouement left much to be desired. I’ll just leave it at that.
All in all, I’d give it a solid four stars. It starts a little slow, which is to be expected for a character-driven novel, as you get used to the characters and start to get attached. But as I said, I couldn’t put it down once it built up. The struggle was so realistic, and I easily empathized with them all. In the end, the themes are things we all face: how do we cope when life doesn’t turn out the way we had expected, and who will pull us up when we hit rock bottom? If I Fall would definitely make my 2018 must-read list.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2018
4 Stars
I've not read a book this quickly in a while. I found it very engaging from the start and wanted to know how the story panned out.
It's got 4 stars from me as nothing unexpected happened. I guessed quite a bit as I read it through but it was still very enjoyable and I'd definitely recommend this book to others.
I've not read a book this quickly in a while. I found it very engaging from the start and wanted to know how the story panned out.
It's got 4 stars from me as nothing unexpected happened. I guessed quite a bit as I read it through but it was still very enjoyable and I'd definitely recommend this book to others.
February 9, 2018
Nice Sunday read
I was hooked from the first page and was immediately enthralled in the plot. Loved all the characters and how they interacted. My only problem was the end felt rushed and went as powerful an ending g as it should have been , hence the 3 stars.
I was hooked from the first page and was immediately enthralled in the plot. Loved all the characters and how they interacted. My only problem was the end felt rushed and went as powerful an ending g as it should have been , hence the 3 stars.
August 24, 2020
four friends, four lives. How life has changed since those days at Uni. Secrets,feelings and what if's. The title of the book attracted me to this and the fact it was about friendship. A really good read.
April 29, 2022
This book probably deserves a 3, but I’m giving it a 2, because it definitely doesn’t deserve a 4, which is the average rating overall. Am sick of being influenced by the paid reviews and being disappointed so am doing my bit for future readers who consult the Goodreads rating.
October 9, 2018
Moving story that you can't put down
Amazing stories of the four friends. Shows problems can happen to anyone in all walks of life. Help is available.
Amazing stories of the four friends. Shows problems can happen to anyone in all walks of life. Help is available.
January 13, 2020
I enjoyed this story about friendships dating back from University days when life was simple, fun and carefree, and moving forwards 20 years to a time of work, mortgages, bills, marriages and children/parents to look after, when life suddenly doesn't seem quite as much fun.
The characters were all well rounded and I enjoyed reading the book from different points of view each chapter and understanding how their lives combined and entwined and how they were still a great supporting friendship for each other and would see each other through everything.
It reminded me a little of the TV series Cold Feet, and I am looking forward to reading more from this Author.
The characters were all well rounded and I enjoyed reading the book from different points of view each chapter and understanding how their lives combined and entwined and how they were still a great supporting friendship for each other and would see each other through everything.
It reminded me a little of the TV series Cold Feet, and I am looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Read
October 21, 2020A really Good book, i highly recommend it.
September 29, 2024
A little predictable in parts, but overall a wholesome read.
February 12, 2018
Our Review
Without a doubt this is a heartfelt tale of love, loss, family and friendship. It is true you never know what goes on behind closed doors of friends and family. We all know one of those individuals who always seems happy and wears a smile, but our intuition tells us deep down something isn't right. But all we can do is be there for them and if they need to talk they know they can.
This story really makes you think about what goes on behind those closed doors, and what those individuals are going through. You may get a glimmer but it is the unknown and only those on the inside of the door will truly know.
This book opens up those doors and we learn of the four friends who graduated from University fifteen years ago.
The Characters:
1. Connie who is a home maker and professional blogger, she is also a journalist and left her full time job to bring up her daughters. She is married to Jonas.
2. Jonas is a lawyer, working for an extremely demanding boss. He is under significant stress and pressure at work.
3. Layla is a therapist and runs her business from her home, this is to enable her to take care of her Mum who we learn has advanced dementia.
4. JJ is a sports coach and also a bachelor, he finds it difficult to commit to any of the women he meets and has been carrying a dark secret, that weighs heavily on his shoulders, from his childhood. A secret that taunts him every day. Both Connie and JJ dated during their university days.
All of the friends have different careers and each has been very successful. They have kept in touch and often meet at dinner parties, for coffee, at each others houses. But as time and life has moved on each has different responsibilities and their individuals lives are starting to crumble from under their feet. Each turning to each other, but not always unveiling the full extent to which their lives are falling apart. And no matter what each of them is going through, they are always there for each other.
This book grips your attention, the characters are incredibly easy to get to know and very likeable. The story is told through individual chapters that relate to one of the four friends, often rotating between all of them, this adds to the enjoyment of the story and makes for compulsive page turning reading. As their lives unfold, sometimes you will be laughing and sometimes you will be moved to tears.
The book starts with one of the four friends attempting to commit suicide, you don't know who and as the story unfolds it could be any of the four that falls.... who is it... there is only one way to find out.... no spoilers here....!
The ending is almost to good to be true, but after all it is a story and it's good to know how they all finally settle with their lives, that's of course if they do.....
An easy read, which you cannot put down once you start. I finished this one at 2:15am, well worth the sleep deprivation.
Thank you to Ellie at Canelo, and Ella Harper for the advanced copy and invite to join the blog tour.
Without a doubt this is a heartfelt tale of love, loss, family and friendship. It is true you never know what goes on behind closed doors of friends and family. We all know one of those individuals who always seems happy and wears a smile, but our intuition tells us deep down something isn't right. But all we can do is be there for them and if they need to talk they know they can.
This story really makes you think about what goes on behind those closed doors, and what those individuals are going through. You may get a glimmer but it is the unknown and only those on the inside of the door will truly know.
This book opens up those doors and we learn of the four friends who graduated from University fifteen years ago.
The Characters:
1. Connie who is a home maker and professional blogger, she is also a journalist and left her full time job to bring up her daughters. She is married to Jonas.
2. Jonas is a lawyer, working for an extremely demanding boss. He is under significant stress and pressure at work.
3. Layla is a therapist and runs her business from her home, this is to enable her to take care of her Mum who we learn has advanced dementia.
4. JJ is a sports coach and also a bachelor, he finds it difficult to commit to any of the women he meets and has been carrying a dark secret, that weighs heavily on his shoulders, from his childhood. A secret that taunts him every day. Both Connie and JJ dated during their university days.
All of the friends have different careers and each has been very successful. They have kept in touch and often meet at dinner parties, for coffee, at each others houses. But as time and life has moved on each has different responsibilities and their individuals lives are starting to crumble from under their feet. Each turning to each other, but not always unveiling the full extent to which their lives are falling apart. And no matter what each of them is going through, they are always there for each other.
This book grips your attention, the characters are incredibly easy to get to know and very likeable. The story is told through individual chapters that relate to one of the four friends, often rotating between all of them, this adds to the enjoyment of the story and makes for compulsive page turning reading. As their lives unfold, sometimes you will be laughing and sometimes you will be moved to tears.
The book starts with one of the four friends attempting to commit suicide, you don't know who and as the story unfolds it could be any of the four that falls.... who is it... there is only one way to find out.... no spoilers here....!
The ending is almost to good to be true, but after all it is a story and it's good to know how they all finally settle with their lives, that's of course if they do.....
An easy read, which you cannot put down once you start. I finished this one at 2:15am, well worth the sleep deprivation.
Thank you to Ellie at Canelo, and Ella Harper for the advanced copy and invite to join the blog tour.
February 8, 2018
A book that starts with a suicide note is always going to grab your attention, and If I Fall is no different.
4 friends, 4 interlocking lives. Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla were best friends at University. JJ and Connie were an item, but after an abrupt ending to their romantic relationship, they both moved on and Jonas, who had always had a thing for Connie, got his girl. Fast forward 15 years or so and the four are still in touch. Connie & Jonas are married with two daughters. Layla has become a psychotherapist and is dealing with her aged Mum who is exhibiting signs of early-onset dementia, and JJ is a good-time-guy, a healthy living personal trainer who quite often likes to take his work home with him…especially if they leave without a fuss in the morning.
Through the different narratives, we learn about these four very different people and the web of deceit that is woven through their lives. It shows how the irrepressible confidence and ambition of youth can slowly dissipate without anyone really noticing. One day you have the world at your feet, the next you're wondering where the time went. They've all got their problems which are growing by the day, and we are left to wonder which one of them it is that is going to fall, and when they do, if anyone will catch them.
In 'If I fall' Ella Harper has concocted a really interesting set of characters with intricate and difficult relationships with each other and the outside world. You build a relationship with each of the characters, although some are easier to like than others. The futility of lying to yourself is exposed - it never lasts forever. Added to the detailed character building, there are a couple of jaw dropping and raw moments which are always good to come across unexpectedly. The narrative flow felt a little stilted at times when switching back and forth between characters but that's often the case with multiple viewpoints and it didn't stop me easily following what was going on.
I really enjoyed getting to know Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla and I think that fans of Lianne Moriarty & Amanda Prowse will really enjoy this book.
*thankyou to Netgalley, the Author & the Publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
4 friends, 4 interlocking lives. Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla were best friends at University. JJ and Connie were an item, but after an abrupt ending to their romantic relationship, they both moved on and Jonas, who had always had a thing for Connie, got his girl. Fast forward 15 years or so and the four are still in touch. Connie & Jonas are married with two daughters. Layla has become a psychotherapist and is dealing with her aged Mum who is exhibiting signs of early-onset dementia, and JJ is a good-time-guy, a healthy living personal trainer who quite often likes to take his work home with him…especially if they leave without a fuss in the morning.
Through the different narratives, we learn about these four very different people and the web of deceit that is woven through their lives. It shows how the irrepressible confidence and ambition of youth can slowly dissipate without anyone really noticing. One day you have the world at your feet, the next you're wondering where the time went. They've all got their problems which are growing by the day, and we are left to wonder which one of them it is that is going to fall, and when they do, if anyone will catch them.
In 'If I fall' Ella Harper has concocted a really interesting set of characters with intricate and difficult relationships with each other and the outside world. You build a relationship with each of the characters, although some are easier to like than others. The futility of lying to yourself is exposed - it never lasts forever. Added to the detailed character building, there are a couple of jaw dropping and raw moments which are always good to come across unexpectedly. The narrative flow felt a little stilted at times when switching back and forth between characters but that's often the case with multiple viewpoints and it didn't stop me easily following what was going on.
I really enjoyed getting to know Connie, Jonas, JJ and Layla and I think that fans of Lianne Moriarty & Amanda Prowse will really enjoy this book.
*thankyou to Netgalley, the Author & the Publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 4, 2018
If I Fall follows four people who have been friends since university. There is Layla, the therapist who is dealing with a mother who has dementia; JJ, who is a ladies man, and hasn’t settled down, but is hiding a secret about his past that slowly eats away at him; Jonas, who is a lawyer who is stressed out from work and becoming a worse person by the day; and Connie, who is married to Jonas and slowly falling apart at the seams.
I realise that I just made this book sound like the most depressing story in the world. Though it is rather depressing, it is also hopeful and uplifting. I was most invested in Connie and JJ who were together in University, but had split, causing Connie to end up with Jonas. I wanted them back together, I could see that they still had feelings for one another but they just weren’t doing anything about it. Jonas was an awful person and I didn’t like him at all. He was just terrible. I understand why he was, it was needed in the story, but I dreaded his chapters as I read through. Layla seemed to be a lovely person, but I did find her a little whingy and whiney at times, although I can’t imagine being in her shoes, I would probably be the exact same.
I did like that each chapter bounced from character to character, and within each chapter I got a glimpse into the mind of that particular person (even if they annoyed me). I liked the fact that the whole story was edging towards a certain point, and that point happened right at the very end, keeping me invested the whole way through. I also am thankful that the story ended how I hoped that it would, it gave me a sense of closure, that even though a person’s life can be full of horrible things, everything does work itself out eventually.
I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher of this book, Canelo, for sending me a copy of this book to review. I really did enjoy it.
Full review on my blog: www.booksarelove22.wordpress.com
I realise that I just made this book sound like the most depressing story in the world. Though it is rather depressing, it is also hopeful and uplifting. I was most invested in Connie and JJ who were together in University, but had split, causing Connie to end up with Jonas. I wanted them back together, I could see that they still had feelings for one another but they just weren’t doing anything about it. Jonas was an awful person and I didn’t like him at all. He was just terrible. I understand why he was, it was needed in the story, but I dreaded his chapters as I read through. Layla seemed to be a lovely person, but I did find her a little whingy and whiney at times, although I can’t imagine being in her shoes, I would probably be the exact same.
I did like that each chapter bounced from character to character, and within each chapter I got a glimpse into the mind of that particular person (even if they annoyed me). I liked the fact that the whole story was edging towards a certain point, and that point happened right at the very end, keeping me invested the whole way through. I also am thankful that the story ended how I hoped that it would, it gave me a sense of closure, that even though a person’s life can be full of horrible things, everything does work itself out eventually.
I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the publisher of this book, Canelo, for sending me a copy of this book to review. I really did enjoy it.
Full review on my blog: www.booksarelove22.wordpress.com
January 10, 2018
What I most like about being a reviewer/blogger on NetGalley is that you discover some new authors and that's where I stand with this novel. A new exciting find. There are four characters leaving university who are preparing to plunge into the real world. Fifteen years later we catch up with them. It's like looking through the keyhole. Two of them, Connie & Jonas have got married and have lived happily with two daughters but their marriage has turned into a car crash. Jonas works in the Magistrates Court & Connie (originally a journalist) is a now a S.A.H.M but works as a professional blogger. Layla is single, working from home as a therapist because her mother has advancing dementia. She is wanting love and marriage and belongs to an online dating site. Lastly JJ who is the bed-hopping bachelor fighting his demons and past. He carries the shame of a dark, ugly secret. That's for me to know and you to read about. I loved the style of writing as it carries the story along so fluidly and there's a lot of humour. You find yourself becoming so involved with these four young people. There's love, enviable friendship, hardship and heartbreak. What I thought most makes this book stand out is that in the train crash marriage we learn how both of the couple are feeling. Normally, you only get one side of a story. I gritted my teeth over Jonas's mental processes but I recognise the type. Enough said. In the same way we are familiar with the horrors of dementia but the reality of the carer's position has never been clearer. Such an admirable insight. A fascinating book about real people in their modern lives. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for letting me read it. I shall spread the word on publication with Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook and my Blog..
February 2, 2018
I'm not sure why, but when I first picked up this book, I was expecting it to be full of romance and lightness. Well there is romance, for sure, but the happy, light tone isn't there- it is much more complicated than that. That's not to say that there are no happy and light parts in the book, there certainly are, but there are some heavy themes dealt with: violence, abuse, both mental and physical, dementia, changing relationships.
This book belongs to four people who were students together and their lives fifteen years later. They're all great creations. I was equally interested in all their stories. You are told from the beginning that something terrible has happened to one of them. As becomes clear as the story unfolds, it could be any of the four. I didn't guess until it was unveiled.
Loyalty and friendship are put under the microscope. Duty to family members and years invested in relationships are shown to affect them. The surface that they present to the world hides dark secrets which they cannot all admit until they are overwhelmed. Will they be there for each other as they promised when young? Read it and find out!
In short: an arresting story of the bonds of friendship, put under the pressure of real life.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
This book belongs to four people who were students together and their lives fifteen years later. They're all great creations. I was equally interested in all their stories. You are told from the beginning that something terrible has happened to one of them. As becomes clear as the story unfolds, it could be any of the four. I didn't guess until it was unveiled.
Loyalty and friendship are put under the microscope. Duty to family members and years invested in relationships are shown to affect them. The surface that they present to the world hides dark secrets which they cannot all admit until they are overwhelmed. Will they be there for each other as they promised when young? Read it and find out!
In short: an arresting story of the bonds of friendship, put under the pressure of real life.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
February 6, 2018
Four friends from university promise to be friends forever but will life get in the way of their friendship or will their promise remain.
Fifteen years after we first meet them Connie has given up her journalist career to look after her family.
Jonas her husband is a lawyer who is feeling pressure at work and is feeling a little stuck in his marriage..
JJ is now a personal trainer who was Connies love in university is now living a single life and appears to have it all.
Layla is now a psychotherapist but is struggling balancing her career with the demands of her sick mother.
Pressures build in each of the characters lives and secrets and demons are slowly revealed. Each character in their own way fall but will someone be there to catch them?
This story explored love, friendship and real life issues in a powerful and realistic way.
I found the story slow at the beginning but was soon racing through the book to see what was going to happen at the end.
I related to the fact that even though things may seem fine on the surface every family have unseen issues going on unseen. Really enjoyed the ending and would recommend wholeheartedly.
Fifteen years after we first meet them Connie has given up her journalist career to look after her family.
Jonas her husband is a lawyer who is feeling pressure at work and is feeling a little stuck in his marriage..
JJ is now a personal trainer who was Connies love in university is now living a single life and appears to have it all.
Layla is now a psychotherapist but is struggling balancing her career with the demands of her sick mother.
Pressures build in each of the characters lives and secrets and demons are slowly revealed. Each character in their own way fall but will someone be there to catch them?
This story explored love, friendship and real life issues in a powerful and realistic way.
I found the story slow at the beginning but was soon racing through the book to see what was going to happen at the end.
I related to the fact that even though things may seem fine on the surface every family have unseen issues going on unseen. Really enjoyed the ending and would recommend wholeheartedly.
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