Kristy Woodson Harvey never fails to disappoint and Feels Like Falling is no exception!

When I started this book I thought it was going to be a fluffy beach read, but I was so wrong. I liked that the characters had depth and we got to see into their backgrounds to understand them and what they were doing. I was so glad when Gray and Dianna teamed up and took care of each other. This book is still the perfect beach read, but provides a little more substance than most. I loved seeing each character find their happy ending in such different ways.

A great read for your Mother’s Day gifts or just a quiet quarantine day or your book club! I’ve included Kristy Woodson Harvey books multiple times on the blog (and had her on the Women With Books podcast ) and as soon as I saw she had a new release, I requested an early copy. This one is set in a new beach town in North Carolina and has alternating stories of two very different women who soon become best friends. It’s a story of friendship, but it’s also a story of how women can mother each other, their friends, their siblings - which is why I’m recommending this for Mother’s Day! Get this for all your friends who are also willing to set you up on dates/ hold your hair back/ let you come live in their guest house on the beach. (And also I would like to be that person’s friend, thanks).

I’m still feeling the effects of this wonderful and moving story with strong female characters, that I love and adore so much. I was instantly transported to Cape Carolina, NC: longing to live there with Gray, Diana and their group of loved ones. This is one of my all-time favorite books, ever. Gray and Diana are perfect ages I relate to and both at a point in their lives where things are changing. They meet at this time when they need each other to get through it all, even though they couldn’t be more different. .They prove that it’s never too late to get a second chance at a happily ever after, no matter where you started. What a feel-good book to start beach-read season and much-needed during quarantine life.

Title: Feels Like Falling
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Publisher: Gallery Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Feels Like Falling" by Kristy Woodson Harvey

My Speculation:

I enjoyed "Feels Like Falling' by Kristy Woodson Harvey. We find Gray Howard, who was successful in business but not so much in her marriage. Moving on, we see Diana Harrington has had a hard life now. She was living in her car due to be fired from her job. The way this author brings these two ladies together was simply magical as how they meet, and a strong friendship will arise. The story will have a lot of emotions from 'Loneliness, hope, despair, sadness, death, joy, touches of humor, tears, to a HEA.' I loved how this story was a 'blend of differences that shines a light on how great similarities' that these two protagonists both processed.

For anyone who loves women's fiction, with good dialogue, southeastern coastal summers, and interesting characters, this read would be for you to enjoy to the end.

One good quote from this story: "Sometimes we get right where we need to be by ending up exactly where we started."

Thanks to Gallery Books for providing our copy of Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Feeling Like Falling is the story of two amazing women, Diana and Gray, going through different trials in their lives. Diana has finally left her boyfriend after years while Gray is going through a divorce from her cheating husband. Through unique circumstances they come together and build a friendship that helps them find their happily ever afters.

Gray and Diana are so different, but their friendship shows that where they come from and what their circumstances are do not matter. They lean on each other and create a friendship that helps them heal from their pasts, move on to their futures, and find a happiness that they both didn’t know they craved. I love the relationship between Gray and her son and how she put her son above the dislike she felt for her husband. She made life easy for her son all while making sure that there was a relationship between father and son. Diana was strong and held her own, she knew what her goal was and was willing to put in the work to make it happen.

My heart is full after reading Feels Like Falling. I felt so many emotions and had so many hopes as to how this story would go. Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a book that I could not stop reading. I was invested in the characters, able to picture the settings, and feel the emotions of the story.

If you are looking for southern charm, this is the book for you!⁣
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Diana Harrington and Gray Howard could not be more opposite. Gray has just lost her mother to cancer and her husband to his secretary. Now suffering from her divorce, she is trying to find a way to hold onto her company while her soon to be ex-husband is trying to take half. Diana, also going through a break up, lost her job (thanks to Gray) and is now homeless. Both women are at low points in their lives, and strike up a friendship that will last a lifetime. ⁣
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If you are looking for some summer, southern charm, this is the perfect book! I loved Kristy’s Peachtree Bluff series, and her signature voice and heartwarming storytelling continued on! I was immediately taken with these two women. Diana’s positive outlook on life was admirable. Gray, who has had everything she could ever need, started to see things in a new perspective while getting to know Diana. She was witty and even in her weak moments showed amazing strength. I am not usually an emotional reader but Diana’s struggles spoke to me on a personal level and I cried for her multiple times. More so towards the beginning when things were really rough. On a lighter note, I even loved the romantic interests in this one for both ladies. This is the kind of book you will want to lay out on a towel and read in the sunshine! ⁣

This is my first book by Kristy Woodson Harvey and I honestly loved it. It was told with such sweet southern charm and southern friendships that you felt right at home. I usually read thrillers and this was a nice escape from that.

Diana was just a child when her mother left her, her sister and two brothers. They wanted to stay together and tried to for as long as they could. But ultimately they were separated and put into foster care where Diana learned that she had to fight for what she wanted and needed. She had a tough life and learned to appreciate things at a young age. Family meant more to Diana than anything. She had a bad habit of falling for the wrong type of man because of a heartbreak that happened when she was only eighteen years old. A love so deep it would last her a lifetime.

Gray was a woman who had worked hard to get where she was and she didn’t want to lose her business or even half of it to her cheating soon to be ex husband and his much younger fiancé.. Gray and Greg had been married ten years when he informed her that he was leaving her for Brooke. Wagner was their eight year old son and Gray loved him more than life itself.

This story has a southern charm about it that will make you believe that almost anything can happen. No matter how hard or impossible things seem they just work out. When Diana’s ex, Frank comes back after twenty two years, they start talking again. He was her true love. The one. The only person she could ever give her whole heart too. Frank felt the same about Diana, but when they were younger things just didn’t work out for them. It’s a very sad thing but to understand it you have to live it. To live it you have to read it. This book is so full of love and laughter and some sadness thrown in for good measure that you won’t want to put it down. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you will have to know what happens and why. What happened to the characters to make them the people they are. Can love be salvaged and can two families put aside their differences for the sake of the child. This is a very though provoking story of love that almost didn’t happen and love that may not happen. Forgiveness for things that seemed so impossible to understand when you are so young and even when you are a grown woman. Love can prevail though. If you believe strong enough and want it bad enough. Forgiveness is vital to living and loving in this life.

Thank you #NetGalley, #GalleyPocketBooks, #KristyWoodsonHarvey for this ARC. This is my own review. My own thoughts and feelings.
I had to give this story a big 5 stars. It’s a high recommendation and a real page turner from the very first page.

Feels Like Falling is a terrific bit of women's fiction. In the beginning of the blurb, it mentions an odd couple story, and that pretty much sums this one up. About the only thing Gray and Diana have in common on the surface is that they both could use a bit of happy in their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of friendship. It's mostly a pretty easy read, but there are some emotional scenes, and I did find myself tearing up a couple of times. It's well-written, and just a seriously good story. I'd recommend it.

Kristy Woodson Harvey has become one of my favorite authors. I know when I pick up one of her books I will fall in love with the characters. And that's exactly what happened while reading Feels Like Falling. The characters here were are so wonderful and believable, especially Gray and Diane, and the story itself was so delightful. It was exactly what I needed right now, a feel-good story. KWH is a master at writing books about the importance of family and friends, love and loss. I just adored this book and it will be going on my Favorites 2020 list. This is definitely a must read and highly recommend everyone read it. It will bring a smile to your face.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

Feels like Falling is a great book on friendship! It is very light hearten to read, especially in the current state that the world is in. A Light Heart book is definitely what we need. Feels like Falling focuses on two main character Diana and Gray. Gray Just Lost everything she could imagine and needed a new start. Diana, is facing similar life changing instances. This book takes you through their highs and lows and their growing friendship. However, I felt it was a little slow in the beginning. This would be a great book to grab some hot chocolate, and set by a cozy fire to read and maybe a few tissues even. This book reminded me of a Debbie Macomber story, Which I LOVE reading. With believable characters and southern charm this is an easy read!

Thank You Netgalley and Galley Books (Simon & Schuster) for the ARC!

I absolutely adored this book! I know that sounds like extreme praise, but this novel deserves it. It was one that kept me torn between not wanting to put it down and not wanting it to end. FEELS LIKE FALLING by Kristy Woodson Harvey pulls you in from the very beginning and weaves a story that will not let you go, even after you have finished the last word.
From the outside, Gray Howard seems to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Her marriage has fallen apart, her soon-to-be-ex is trying to take half her company, her sister’s new marriage has turned her into someone Gray doesn’t know, and her mother passed away. She’s just barely holding things together when she meets Diana Harrington and inadvertently contributes to her getting fired. Losing her job was just the latest disappointment in Diana’s life: she broke up with her boyfriend after he left her broke, which also left her homeless. Her job wasn’t great, but it was something and it kept her on track toward her dream. When another encounter with Gray leads to first a job, and later, a place to stay, this odd couple is on track to what appears to be the unlikeliest of friendships but provides each with the strength, support, and love to navigate the next stages in their lives, let go of what they thought their life should be and embrace what makes them happy and find their future may not be what they expected or planned, but is what they needed.
Harvey has created two main characters who are complex and compelling. Despite their differing circumstances, their lives parallel in what they are experiencing. They both give each other the “tough love” when needed, and support the other no matter what, becoming not just friends, but family. Both characters are strong and weak in their own ways, and their friendship brings out the best in each. These are two women that I would love to be included their friend/family circle. The supporting characters are also well-developed and provide more depth to the main characters and the story. The setting is beautifully described and I could see myself in Carolina Beach and more specifically, at Gray’s home with all of them.
FEELS LIKE FALLING is a novel that will have you laughing and crying as you root on these two strong women and their lives. This is a novel you shouldn’t miss! It’s the perfect beach read or anytime read. Sit down and dive in!
Thanks to NetGalley and he publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#TallPoppyWriter #TallPoppyBlogger #BloomReads #GalleryBooks #FeelsLikeFalling

Feels Like Falling is the perfect summer beach read! Two very different women meet through unlikely circumstances and end up finding the strength they need from each other. Gray, Diana, and a cast of other lovable characters will have you longing for the beach days of summer and the beautiful Carolina coast.

This was so good! I've really loved Kristy Woodson Harvey's book and this new one definitely didn't disappoint me. I really just needed something to pull me in and let me forget about all the crazy stuff going on right now. This was the book! I really enjoyed the friendship between Gray and Diana. Definitely a feel good read and I would highly recommend it!

The read of the summer! I absolutely loved every aspect of this book. I never once felt like the development was dragging on and just wanted more of Gray and Diana. The different family dynamics reminded me or a Liane Moriarity book, but the love and sweetness reminded me of Sarah Dessen story. This is a definite reread.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free ebook arc in return for an honest review. After reading The Peachtree Bluff series last summer, I fell in love with Kristy Woodson Harvey's books. I was so excited to get a copy of this book.

Gray is almost 35, and she thought she had the perfect life - the perfect job, the perfect husband, the perfect son, and money. Until her husband left her for a younger coworker. The thought of starting over seemed impossible. Diana grew up in the foster system away from her siblings. After her boyfriend gambled away the last of her money, so she couldn't even get her tooth fixed, she decided to leave. Then she lost her job. At 40, she couldn't imagine starting over again. Until Gray and Diana's paths crossed, and they ended up being what each other needed.

I give this book 4.5 starts out of 5, only because I don't like how foster care was described. I get that it's a major part of Diana's story, but as a foster parent I don't like the negative viewpoint.

This is exactly what I needed to read right now. It made me smile, shed a few tears, and just feel good. I think we all need that in these strange times.

I loved the friendship between Gray and Diana. Really, I loved all the female relationships. There was so much love and caring, not all that cattiness you tend to read about or see in films. Even Gray's relationship with her husband's fiance was written respectfully. I think respect was a big theme in the story. I enjoyed the love relationships as well. It really showed how miscommunication can change a path.

Feels Like Falling is just a feel-good read.

After losing three of the most important people in her life, 35 year old Gray is now entering a "summer of change." How will she deal with this new season of life, and how will her new friend/employee, Diana (who is dealing with her own life changes), spur her along?

As always, the latest from this author provided a great escape from everyday life. Her characters are always so real and authentic and in no time flat, they felt like old friends. This novel explored so many topics, such as grief, divorce, dating after divorce, autism, friendship, and kindness. If you're looking for a break from pandemic news, then I would highly recommend anything by this author, especially the Peachtree Bluff series!

Location: North Carolina

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Southern master storyteller, Kristy Woodson Harvey returns following (2019 The Southern Side of Paradise —check out my Q&A with Kristy) with her latest FEELS LIKE FALLING. A heartwarming tale of two women who form an unlikely friendship. Both of their lives are changed for the better.

Set on the coast of N.C, Gray Howard started a marketing company, ClickMarket, back in college, which has grown into an empire. However, now, her husband decides to leave her for his assistant.

Of course, with the divorce, he wants a little of everything, including her business. Plus, he is pulling their son away for a trip. On top of this, her mom died of cancer. And her sister Quinn has a cult-like leader/preacher for a husband.

Her work has been her life, and now it is being jerked away. As she is going through this process, she happens to be at the drug store getting some photos, and the gal, Diana (a clerk photo developer), wants her to get a release form signed.

After that, Diana gets fired and has no place to go. She also has experienced a bad breakup and now must live in her car.

However, through the process of several funny events, Diana winds up living in Gray’s guest cottage and working for her. This unlikely pair discovers they have more in common than they may know.

Kristy weaves a beautiful story of two women who find themselves at crossroads. Infused with emotion and humor with distinct voices (including a cast of secondary female characters), plus Trey (loved), her assistant, and a hunky younger love interest (Andrew) for Gray (yum).

Plus, an old flame comes back into Diana’s life, and they both get a second chance at life and love. I enjoyed Diana’s wit and humor.

“Sometimes we get right where we need to be by ending up exactly where we started.”

Each of the characters questions their relationships and who they are while searching for the courage to live a life of true meaning, not just what people expect.

A perfect beach read with relatable characters that showcase that life is always full of surprises and does not always have to “look perfect to be perfect for you.”

Emotionally resonant, and utterly captivating, FEELS LIKE FALLING is a story of family, friendship, love, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead.

An ideal book to read during this time of isolation. As we think of others and what they may be experiencing.

Once again, the charming author knows her way around NC and Southern storytelling. I loved the characters. For fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Emily Giffin, Patti Callahan Henry, and Mary Alice Monroe.

Just give me a front porch and a swing on a breezy evening and this book. I highly recommend all of Kristy’s books! PS. Be sure and listen to Kristy’s video about the inspiration behind the novel. Fascinating!

A special thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy.

On a side note: As always, being an NC native, I enjoy discovering an essential or memorable place in one of Kristy’s stories. Was delighted when she featured Mast Farm Inn. It is a beautiful boutique historic Select Registry B&B Inn in Banner Elk, NC. I had stayed there many times when my oldest son attended college in Banner Elk and Boone. Many fond memories.

Being in the media business and a consultant for inns and the hospitality business, I have had the opportunity of seeing every room. The charming inn, the historic cottages, as well as the new cabins. The food is divine; the accommodations superb, and the owners and management are delightful. (I do wish Gray could have gone there with Andrew) but it all worked out in the end.

Kristy Woodson Harvey is back!

Her widely popular books always offer such a sweet blend of Southern charm and modern intensity, Feels Like Falling is no exception.

(from Goodreads) It’s summertime on the North Carolina coast and the livin’ is easy. Unless, that is, you’ve just lost your mother to cancer, your sister to her extremist husband, and your husband to his executive assistant. Meet Gray Howard. Right when Gray could use a serious infusion of good karma in her life, she inadvertently gets a stranger, Diana Harrington, fired from her job at the local pharmacy. Diana Harrington’s summer isn’t off to the greatest start either: Hours before losing her job, she broke up with her boyfriend and moved out of their shared house with only a worn-out Impala for a bed. Lucky for her, Gray has an empty guest house and a very guilty conscience. With Gray’s kindness, Diana’s tide begins to turn. But when her first love returns, every secret from her past seems to resurface all at once. And, as Gray begins to blaze a new trail, she discovers, with Diana’s help, that what she envisioned as her perfect life may not be what she wants at all. In her warmest, wisest novel yet, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a discerning portrait of modern womanhood through two vastly different lenses. Feels Like Falling is a beach bag essential for Harvey fans—and for a new generation of readers.

I enjoyed this beachy read so much, but while it makes for a light book for the summertime attractions, this novel also offers up more for readers. I am a fan of Harvey's work, but this one really topped my love for her writing, characters, and stories. Feels Like Falling is much more emotional and intense than her previous work, at least to me. I enjoyed all of the characters and how they bantered back and forth with one another very naturally. Diana was a bright spot for me. She was incredibly endearing and real with quick dialogue and dramatic appeal with her backstory. Gray was a dynamic and fresh main character. The dual POVs were easy to follow and blended well with one another to create a satisfying story.

This novel earns a 4/5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Title: Feels Like Falling
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Genre: Women’s fiction
Rating: 4 out of 5

It’s summertime on the North Carolina coast and the livin’ is easy.

Unless, that is, you’ve just lost your mother to cancer, your sister to her extremist husband, and your husband to his executive assistant. Meet Gray Howard. Right when Gray could use a serious infusion of good karma in her life, she inadvertently gets a stranger, Diana Harrington, fired from her job at the local pharmacy.

Diana Harrington’s summer isn’t off to the greatest start either: Hours before losing her job, she broke up with her boyfriend and moved out of their shared house with only a worn-out Impala for a bed. Lucky for her, Gray has an empty guest house and a very guilty conscience.

With Gray’s kindness, Diana’s tide begins to turn. But when her first love returns, every secret from her past seems to resurface all at once. And, as Gray begins to blaze a new trail, she discovers, with Diana’s help, that what she envisioned as her perfect life may not be what she wants at all.

I loved the relationship Gray had with her assistant and her best friend! Their interactions, especially when adding Diana into the mix, made the whole novel come alive. I didn’t quite get why Gray had such a problem with the age difference between herself and her new man—it wasn’t that big, and he was in graduate school, it’s not like he was a freshman or something. She also dropped him pretty quick and was interested in someone else—who she then handed to her best friend like he was a purse she tried out and didn’t like. This was definitely a novel about opposites, as Diana was a far cry from Gray’s posh and privileged life. A fun read, but not a lot of character depth.

Kristy Woodson Harvey is a bestselling author. Feels Like Falling is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.)