Journey around the 🌏planet sparks spiritual healing: moving tale of 😰grief & recovery

4-4.5🌟stars. #TheJoyOfFalling #NetGalley
I have to admit that the New Zealand setting of the bulk of this novel first attracted me. In fact, the gorgeous South Island scenery is a prominent element of Eva and Angela's story and totally lived up to my expectations. It brought back some fond memories of my own brief summer visit to Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown.

But the heart of this story was so much more. Suffering bereavement of a partner and learning to surmount the grief and find purpose in an altered existence drove Eva and eventually brought her closer to Angela, her sister-in-law and fellow widow. They began their journey from very different perspectives and, in the course of their New Zealand adventure, came together in their determination to accomplish a daunting athletic feat. Along the way they discover new romance and agonize over the fears, rights and wrongs of moving on to a future that does not center around their dead husbands and the life interrupted by their sudden demise. Heavy stuff, but told in a sensitive and realistic manner.

I am happy that the New Zealand connection drew me to Lindsay Harrel's novel. It was not a quick read for me, but the inspirational and transformational aspects combined with a wonderfully hopeful ending made it a great read.

Thanks to publisher Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and opinions expressed are completely my own.

I discovered Lindsay Harrel when I received an advanced copy of her amazing previous book, The Secrets of Paper and Ink. The Joy of Falling is somehow even better than her older books! The author does an amazing job of character development, bringing out the reader's emotions, and telling a story that is relatable and unforgettable.

I have been waiting for this book for months! Lindsay is one of my favorite authors, and I was so excited to read her newest novel.

In The Joy of Falling sisters-in-law Angela and Eva are still reeling from the deaths of their husbands, Wes and Brent, in a freak diving accident. With different personalities and lifestyles, they each are dealing in their own way.

Angela is working long hours to try to support her three children. She feels as though her family is falling apart, even as she struggles to hold them together.

Eva threw herself into charity work to try to honor her husband. But she feels as though her life has no purpose or meaning without Brent.

When Eva discovers that Brent and Wes were going to run a long-distance race in New Zealand, she asks Angela to run with her. Angela is resistant, at first, but finally agrees.

They have no idea what's in store for them. Training for the race is grueling. Not only do they deal with the physical challenges, but each of them must also come face-to-face with her reason for racing.

This book was an amazing read. I thought the characters were written very well. I honestly found Eva to be a bit annoying. But I related so much to Angela and her struggles.

I think feeling a kinship like that with a character is what made this book so great for me. Angela's pain was so real to me. I understood how hard it would be for her to raise her children alone.

The descriptions of New Zealand were amazing! It was also interesting to get a peak into how a person prepares for a race like that. I honestly had no idea what all you need to do to run--or even walk that far.

This is a great read for women. Yes, there is a little romance. But I thought the most important aspect of the story was strength.

It's refreshing to read about women who fight for themselves, find strength in God and change their lives. The Joy of Falling is definitely a must-read!

The Joy of Falling is truly Lindsay Harrel at her best. I picked up this book meaning only to read a chapter or two at the start, and had a hard time not reading the entire thing in one sitting. Grief is an extremely difficult topic to write about, and it takes an immensely talented author to pull it off. Lindsay does a fantastic job of representing the fact that grief affects everyone differently, and what's right for one person might not be for anyone else.

The set up for this novel is a bit different from anything I'd personally read in a Christian fiction novel before, and I highly enjoyed it. Our two main characters, Eva and Angela, are sisters in law. They were married to brothers, and both became widowed at a young age when their husbands died in a freak scuba diving accident. Angela and Eva move apart instead of growing closer, as the grief shrouds them both in varying ways. Their relationship isn't on great terms, and neither understands the way the other is choosing to live their life. When an opportunity arises for the two of them to run an ultra marathon in beautiful New Zealand with their husbands' best friend, it seems like the perfect way to honor their beloved husbands. However, they may have bitten off more than they were prepared for, and this journey might be what they both needed, just not in the way they set out expecting.

The Joy of Falling is an emotional, grief ridden story that does a fantastic job of highlighting the turmoil that comes when you lose someone you love, but also showcases that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I enjoyed how the author chose to represent the entire process, and the way it affects each and every person differently. I enjoyed the cautiousness exhibited by both sisters at the thought of moving on, and the way they have to turn to faith and God to leave behind the guilt this idea brings with it. There's a difference between moving on and forgetting, and I think this was beautifully represented. The faith element may not have appeared until later on in the story, but once it's there, it's done authentically and wonderfully, and definitely made a great story even better.

I set out liking one of the characters over the other, but by the end of the book I was wrapped up in both ladies' stories, and really rooting for them both. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, especially Sherry, and I appreciated the amazing support system she was for both of her daughter in law's throughout the story. Lindsay Harrel has a beautiful writing style that truly draws the reader right in, and I thought the settings of both New York and New Zealand came alive to the reader across the pages.

The Joy of Falling is truly an inspiring story that was a pleasure to read. I've come to expect amazing things when I pick up a novel by Lindsay Harrel, and she has yet to disappoint.

It may be early in the year, but I have a feeling this is going to end up being one of my favorite reads of the year, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for her readers in the future.

Final Rating: 5/5

I definitely recommend picking this one up, especially if you're a fan of hard hitting contemporaries.

Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this!

I received a complimentary advance copy of this novel to voluntarily read and review from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read and absolutely adored Lindsay Harrel's last novel The Secrets of Paper and Ink so I was really excited to dig into this one. Initially I was sucked in and was easily able to get a feel for the characters and what their main hurdles were. As much as I liked the characters though, the storyline just didn't quite hold my attention like her last book. I do believe it was due more to personal preference than a flaw in the writing style. I liked how the two sisters-in-law were so opposite of each other and how they had to learn how to process their grief in different ways. I liked how despite their conflict they were eventually able to be more supportive of each other. There were aspects I really liked but others that just weren't my cup of tea. I would definitely recommend checking out other reviews before forming an opinion. This one didn't hinder my desire to read more from the author at all either. I still fully intend on reading what she comes out with next :)

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit & NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone

#TheJoyOfFalling #NetGalley

Two sister in laws, who've lost their husbands in a freak accident, are trying to work through their grief. Eva's husband Brent, was a daredevil, who couldn't
stop. Brent left, Eva with more than enough, financially,so she would be able to makie her way through life. Angela is left with three children and feels like she is barely managing, she places that blame on her late husband, Wes. Eva and Angela, team up with Marc, who was best friends with their late husband's, and part business owner, to do an ultra-marathon of 155 miles in seven days., in beautiful New Zealand. Each one must work through their grief and show grit in order to make it through the marathon. Lessons, are sometimes life's hardest thing to learn, but they find that God is there in those hard times with them.

This book is a captivating read full of beautiful characters. The author takes the reader’s heart and runs with it. Eva and Angela losing their husbands who were brothers, trying to figure out how to move forward, This story has so many valleys and hills that you will find yourself rooting for the characters. There is so much depth to this story, the author does a fantastic job of showing the reader how joy comes from God during the trials, how it grows us, makes us stronger. My heart soared with each characters accomplishments of finding their joy over their fear of moving on. If you ever lost someone you will love this book, it will encourage you to keep moving forward. This story touched every part of my soul and left me with so much joy! An incredible story you will not want to put down!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

A lovely book about young widows who are sisters in law. Eva and Angela are at different spots in the socioeconomic universe and they didn't have a lot in common, really, emotionally or otherwise, before their husbands died. Running an ultra-marathon in New Zealand brings them together in a way neither expects= and helps them work through their grief. Harrel has done a good job not only with these two women but also the others they meet along the way, such as Marc, You might recognize parts of people you know- that's how relatable ev everyone it. Even if you aren't a runner- perhaps especially if you aren't a runner- you'll enjoy the details; Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good and heartfelt read.

Lindsay Harrell has written another heartwarming story filled with faith, purpose, and personal transformation. There were so many layers to the story - from the different family dynamics, a restored relationship between grieving sisters-in-law, finding purpose after tragedy, and a second chance at love when the person you thought you’d love forever is taken from you.

The juxtaposition of Eva and Angela’s ways of dealing with their grief - Eva’s idolization and romanticization of her late husband, and Angela’s anger at hers - helped to provide rich characterization and a realistic picture of the different forms grief can take. Their journeys of spiritual, emotional, and relational transformation were beautifully reflected in the physical transformation they underwent training for the ultra marathon. I think this is Lindsay Harrell’s best book yet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this a lot! I felt it was very well written and the author did a wonderful job at world building. It is a story of grief, so if that is triggering for you then you might find something else to read.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

Grief can be a funny thing that constantly leaves you guessing as to when it will show up and how you will react. This story was a bittersweet reminder of how short life is and that it can be difficult to go on when you lose the best part of you. The Joy of Falling is a beautiful story.

Eva and Angela both lost their husbands in a tragic diving accident. Eva is doing everything she can to keep her late husbands legacy and memory alive, while Angela has a hard time being a single, working mom and blames her husband for dying. When the opportunity to run an ultramarathon in New Zealand in their husband’s place, Eva jumps at the idea and soon Angela does too. Both for different reasons. As the women train for the ultramarathon, alongside Eva’s husband’s best friend, they begin to learn more about themselves, memories from their past and even the possibility of a new love interests.
I used to run cross country and enjoyed reading about the race and the training process that both women went through and how it helped both helped both women as individuals.
I graciously received an advance e-copy from Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

What a wonderful book! It is well written and hooks you on the first page. The author did a wonderful job of showing how each person processes grief in a different way. It is a beautiful story that is full of emotions and learning to live again after the death of a spouse. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

My favorite book of hers so far, The Joy of Falling had all the elements of a great story. Along with heartache and hardship, there was healing, growth, and second chances. Set in Australia, two sisters-in-law and their mother-in-law work through their losses and come out the better for it after running an ultra-marathon in their husbands’ honor. Highly recommended.

This is an insightful story of how we confront grief, working through the gamut of emotions that follow, in different, personal ways.

Ms Harrel pens a beautiful story of two women who choose to run an ultra-marathon in memory of their husbands in the beautiful setting of New Zealand. I love that the author gives us two strong heroines who are so very vulnerable. As each works through their unresolved emotions, they find a buried strength that allows them to face the future. Harrel writes a story of breaking free from the past, facing fears, learning to dream and finding the joy amidst the mountains and valleys. There are so many nuggets of wisdom shared by the supporting cast of characters.

A couple of my favorite quotes:
"...happiness and joy aren't the same thing, and that joy is found in trusting God, even when life is at its worse."
"Is it possible to allow all the pain and the beauty in life to inspire you? To allow God to inspire you-not just to create, but to live?"

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This is one of the best fictional books covering grief that I have ever read. By having two main characters deal with a similar loss, they did not handle their sadness in the same way. Their life circumstances had something to do with that. Actually the minor characters dealt with grief of their own too. I think what was the best part is that it was apparent that mourning takes time. This is good reminder for me as I have a few friends who are dealing with tragic circumstances. Loving them through that is not an overnight experience. While most of us may not bear loss as a result of a dramatic event, we will all go through hard times. How we handle that will look different than how others deal.

But this is NOT just a book about sadness. Instead it is a book about moving past the point of grief. The author handled that well also. Characters found redemption by working toward a goal. That event caused them both to reignite faith which is ultimately how they survived. God strengthened them and led them toward healing in their own unique ways..

Certain parts of the book are still predictable, but I found a comfort in that. I think the characters were real and convincing. While getting through this book without any tears may not happen, when you finish, you leave with a sense of hope. I do highly recommend this book. Thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins for letting me read an advanced copy - all opinions are my own!
P.S. The setting alone makes this book a "must read!"

I have to admit, at first I thought that this book might be a little depressing, but I kept going a bit more and found that it wasn't! 😊 It's a story of relationships of many different types, yet it does not feel overwhelming. I grew to love the different characters, especially Eva, Angela, Simon and Kylee. Lindsay is great at drawing the reader into the characters' lives! I loved this book, and hope to read some more about these same people one day--hint, hint! 😉

Thanks to the publisher for an advance e-copy through Netgalley! All opinions expressed are purely my own.

Lindsay Harrel’s newest book, The Joy of Falling, is in my opinion, her best book yet. With two very different women—sisters-in-law—trying to fulfill their husbands' dreams, they learn a lot about themselves, each other, and the many shades of grief. I truly enjoyed this story.

Eva is floundering trying to figure out how to honor her husband but not succeeding when she receives an unexpected phone call. Apparently, her husband signed up a team for an ultra-marathon in New Zealand before he died, she wants to run in his honor. She persuades her sister-in-law to be a part of her team, along with the best friend of one of the men.

Angela has worked hard to meet her family’s needs. With three growing children and no one else to rely on, she feels the burden of single-motherhood. She’s also angry that her husband made the choices he did that resulted in his and his brother’s deaths.

When Eva begs her to be part of the team to run the ultra-marathon, she reluctantly agrees. Each woman comes at the training in different ways. As they train together and with Marc, the third team member, they must face the questions they’ve tamped down or struggled with.

In the process, they each learn more about themselves and their husbands. And each finds a little romance in the bargain.

This story is a beautiful depiction of coming to terms with the death of a loved one. The questions, the feelings, the confusion all resonated as authentic throughout the story.

I loved the epic adventure that Harrel brings the reader on as the trio trains and travels and competes in the race. Each person on the team has to help the others if they are to complete the ultra-marathon. Each woman comes to the end of herself and discovers new ways forward in the process.

And New Zealand? The setting was perfect for the race and for the lessons learned by each woman.

Harrel’s characters are nuanced and hold depth, and that held me through the story. I really liked each one, and they were so real as they grappled with their struggles. The children in the story and the secondary characters added depth and a sense of reality to the journey Eva and Angela embarked on. I found myself tearing up a few times as my heart resonated with things they encountered.

The themes of hope amid grief and learning how to move forward run through this story. As the women learn to trust each other, they also are able to help each other answer the questions that have haunted them since the day their husbands died.

If you enjoy adventure and relational stories with themes of hope and encouragement, you will love this book.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. A positive review was not required. These thoughts are my own.

The latest release by Ms. Harrell is a sensitive narrative of walking through grief.
Two sister-in-laws who haven’t been all that close are drawn together to run a marathon in New Zealand in honour of the brother husbands they lost to a diving accident. The premise is interesting and some tense moments between the two characters emerge. One character is a mother and the other not – which presents opportunity to illustrate completely different perspectives and colour the story with reality. An interesting tug-of-war between two women who have loved and lost, yet want to honour the memory of their husbands in their own ways, pursues.
As always with novels by Ms. Harrell, there are pop culture references sprinkled throughout the entire novel and detailed descriptions of locations and characters. The second half of the book is set in New Zealand so readers can expect to learn slang and experience the beautiful country through the written word. There are plenty of likeable secondary characters who challenge our main characters in their quest.
I was surprised to find one of the female leads was a yogi – a controversial issue for more conservative readers of inspirational fiction. The reader is introduced to the practice of yoga (including names of poses with body positioning) as a scene or two plays out.
When it comes to the faith journey, I had to look for it in the first half of the book. It doesn’t pick up until the midway point, when the women with their third team member start the 150 mile marathon.
The pacing felt a bit slow to me. It took a very long time for the characters to get to start their marathon. The first half of the book involves them training and grappling with the decision to do this or not. And I’m not really sure how I felt about the one sister-in-law who had all kinds of money and paid for absolutely everything. It didn’t quite feel right (as the one sister-in-law felt too), but then again, maybe the author intended it to be that way.
This novel didn’t knock it out of the park for me, despite some beautiful moments.
I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story of two very different women grieving the lost of their husbands. This is a very moving story that allows readers to experience through words very personal losses. I enjoyed the vivid description of New Zealand and the ultra marathon. I could almost imagine myself being there. This story shows that the grief process is different for each person and no one should be pushed along. Recommended.