Never Fall Again is the newest novel from romantic suspense author Lynn H. Blackburn. Book 1 in the Gossamer Falls series, its setting is the mountains of Western Carolina. I love that area of the country, and found the descriptions in the book really set the stage for the books to come. There is a lot of building to be done for the series, including laying the foundation for the characters’ relationships. Big families with lots of adopted friends and generational interactions and feuds are all part and parcel of the small town of Gossamer Falls. Never Fall Again focuses on builder Cal Quinn and artisan Landry Hutton. Both have lots of baggage dealing with past relationships, hence the title of the book. But there sure is a lot of chemistry between the two! Fans of the romance side of romantic suspense will be quite pleased with how the book progresses. The suspense develops slowly — a fire here, a little vandalism there — until the danger is deadly. I did not figure out whodunit, but in retrospect the clues are there if you pay close attention. This book is a bit different from most of the suspense novels I read — law enforcement and investigative work is done by secondary characters mostly off stage, hence the characters and the reader being caught unaware and off-balance. If you like being kept on your reading toes, this one is for you.

A good start to a new series, Never Fall Again is perfect for fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to more intrigue in Gossamer Falls!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

4.5 rounded up to 5

This book was really good! I was completely captivated by the story and didn't want to put it down. This is the 1st book in the author's Gossamer Falls series, and I can't wait for #2!

Landry Hutton has gotten away from her horrible ex and his parents. She's been in Gossamer Falls, NC, for 3 years now, and she feels she's ready to make it a real home for her and her daughter Eliza. She has a stable job as the artist in residence at The Haven, an exclusive resort, and with her pottery thriving, there is nothing holding her back. She has a plot of land and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to oversee the construction. Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and returned home to the family business once he was finished with his Marine duties. He's seen some terrible things and has experienced heartbreak that he almost didn't recover from. Being in a relationship is the last thing both Landry and Cal want to be in, and they have said they will just be friends. But when there is a suspicious fire and Landry's livelihood is destroyed, it seems her and her daughter are in danger. Cal is determined to protect them. Will he be able to save them and his heart?

The small town in NC was the perfect setting for this well written romantic suspense. I loved the relationship between Landry and Cal and also between Cal and Eliza, Landry's daughter. I also loved the big family that Landry found herself a part of. There was mystery about both their pasts, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to make them want to be "just friends." The suspense leading up to the ending was definitely page turning, and I would have never guessed the ending. I really enjoyed this and would most definitely recommend it.

Never Fall Again is a story about a recently widowed single mother who is running from her past. Landry ends up in a small town in North Carolina called Gossamer Falls, where she creates pottery for wealthy tourists visiting the town's luxury resort, The Haven. When suspicious and dangerous events begin to occur, Landry wonders if her past is catching up to her and her daughter. Thankfully Cal Shaw, a single, former Marine, is around to help her.

I really wanted to love this one, but I must admit that it fell a little flat for me with the writing style and the pace of the story. I can see already from lots of reviews that I’m in the minority here, so keep an eye out for other reviews popping up.

Here’s the scoop: I think that when I go into a book that is marketed as suspense, even romantic suspense, I crave a fast paced book that is FULL of suspense. I want to be on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book is more of a small town drama and love story where the mystery often takes a back seat to other aspects of the book. While there was definitely some suspense in the end, I didn’t feel like the story picked up at all until after the halfway point. I think this is mostly just a case of having different expectations.

This is also a Christian fiction. However, I felt like the faith themes were mostly absent. Landry expresses a lot of “church hurt” in the book, but I did not feel like there was redemption to that part of the story. Yes, Landry finds community, but there is not a found church family or anything to redeem her experience and point to the gospel and true Christianity. That bummed me out.

If you’re looking for a small town, just kisses romance, with some mystery and suspense, then I might recommend this to you!

Thank you to @NetGalley and @revellfiction for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lynn is one of my favorite authors and this book is a testimony to her ability to bring readers back again and again. I absolutely loved it and wasn’t t sure of the culprit until the end. The best kind of thriller.

I loved Cal’s character, a regular guy—yes former military—running his business with his brothers, loving his family, and living a good life. Everything he thinks he needs he has. He’s not likely to marry after a traumatic break up so he’s content being the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. Until he meets Landry and her daughter, Eliza. He’s determined not to cross the friendship line but when their lives could be in danger those lines begin to fade.

Landry started over with her daughter in a new place. Now that she’s made connections she’s not anxious to leave. She’s ready to put down permanent roots and build a new home. When she contracts Cal to be her builder she likes him more than she should. She’s determined to remain single and avoid the pain of a relationship, but perhaps they could be friends. That doesn’t seem like too much to handle.

This book along with being a great thriller also wraps you in the warm blanket of the Quinn and Shaw families. I love big families that are there for each other, don’t judge, love the Lord even when life is messy, and open their arms to others. The relationships entwined through the story are very realistic and made me want to be a part of their lives.

This is a book I’ll read again and recommend. I was given a copy courtesy of Revell. This is my honest opinion of the book.

** “Never doubt in the dark what God revealed to you in the light.” **

Lynn H. Blackburn offers an incredible romantic thriller with “Never Fall Again.”

While trying to escape past trauma, Landry Hutton is slowly settling into her new life as a potter and resident artist at the exclusive resort The Haven. But when trouble pops up at the resort, she fears her past has come to find her.

After hiring Cal Shaw and his family to build her new home, he’s quickly drawn into the mystery surrounding Landry and her 5-year-old daughter Eliza. As more and more catastrophic events occur, he finds himself in the role as protector. But can he protect his own heart?

As neither are looking for a relationship, will Landry and Cal be able to heal their hearts’ wounds? And will they figure out who is causing all the devastation?

Blackburn does an incredible job of developing a heart-thumping plot filled with suspense, drama and romance, all while including a funny tone at just the right moments. She includes some great themes, like dealing with trust; protecting one’s heart; overcoming trauma; secrets versus surprises (“Secrets bring despair. Surprises bring delight”); and God will always protect us (“Shield them from evil and give them rest from their enemies.”)

Fans of Lynette Eason, Kelly Irvin, Terri Blackstock and Irene Hannon will love this novel, which is due out March 12.

Five stars out of five.

Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

The first in the new Gossamer Falls series, Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn is a refreshingly wholesome story filled with sweet romance, mystery, faith, trust and hope. Though there is realistic heartache, this is an uplifting gentle story. The writing is gorgeous and emotive and my heart was captivated the entire time. There is scope for the faith element to become more prominent as time goes on.

Set in Gossamer Falls, North Carolina, single mom Landry decides to make the community home after living there as an artist for three years. Her darling five-year-old daughter Eliza is a constant joy and one of my favourite characters. Landry approaches a construction firm highly recommended by a friend to build her new home on a plot of land which has a story (talk about potential for future books in the series!). Cal agrees to build her house and as plans are made, the two quickly form a bond. Each has reasons for not wishing to get involved in a relationship but their friendship changes over time. A life-changing fire crushes Landry's dream but she copes with grace and fortitude. Cal and others around her help her comes to terms with her recent past and she shows real growth throughout. The pair's mutual faith in God is unshakeable. Not only are the main characters admirable and interesting, Cal's family members are delightful! Cal's dog plays a minor but important part in healing. In my view, the mystery element is not as prominent as the relational aspects and that's perfectly ok.

I'm grateful for this new series which holds so much promise and look forward to getting to know the characters in greater depth. If you crave a tender series with relatable hard challenges in life, this is for you.

My sincere thank you to Revell and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this wonderful novel.

Never Fall Again is the first in the new Gossamer Falls Series by Lynn H. Blackburn. Taking place in the mountains of NC, this story has a real Southern feel to it. I should know being a Southern girl myself. Mothers meddle, fathers are strong, and cousins are often best friends. That is not to say all get along. While Landry Hutton is not part of any of these families, she is close friends with someone who is. Still these families do not go to the extremes that her late husband’s family did in covering up a son’s faults and helping to gaslight those who are hurt by it.

It seems as if Landry’s past has come back to haunt her and her young daughter. Callum Shaw is there to help her but he is not without his own issues. This twisty Christian fiction suspense romance has dangers coming at them but no clear idea where it is coming. The past family, the new ones or someone not associated with the families could be the cause. It is one that kept me guessing with destructive happenings, some weird and much prayer by the characters to find the answers and solutions. A gripping read by a newer author for me.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, my personal opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This inspirational romantic suspense has an emphasis on romance. The mystery takes a back seat and there is really no suspense until near the end. There is lots of small town drama, however. The romance is very interesting and moves at a reasonable pace. A Christian faith message is included but it is not overbearing.

It's the characters that makes this novel engaging. Both Landry and Cal have been hurt deeply, presenting serious obstacles to romance. I really like how Blackburn created events so the two had to work through their individual issues and be drawn to each other. And my favorite character was Eliza, the little five year old who is a most delightful child.

Blackburn has also added a number of secondary family characters with troubled pasts, people in need of the kind of healing and promise of a future Landry experienced in this novel. I think that means there will be more entertaining novels in this series and I'll be watching for them.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I loved Never Fall Again. I love Landry and Eliza. Callum Shaw is possibly the best hero I’ve read recently. I love the Shaw family. I want to visit the mountains of North Carolina.
The backstories of both Landry and Cal had me crying. The suspense was well done; it didn’t overwhelm the book.
My heart feels filled to the brim after reading Never Fall Again. I will definitely be looking for the next Gossamer Falls book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Revell for the chance to read Never Fall Again.

A very enjoyable book that I didn't want to put down. Wow!
I loved this family and I felt like was I was part of them.
Blackburn has really out done herself on this great start to a new series!
Some twists and turns that will draw you in immediately and make you keep turning the pages.
I liked Landry immediately and at the same time I really admired her. She was cool.
“The truth of me is not always a pretty thing to see.” “I disagree. I’ll take your tough truth over a deceitful mask any day.”
I absolutely adored these two. I felt that they were perfect for each other.
I enjoyed the challenges that this couple was put through.
In my opinion I loved how they discovered one another along their life's journey of Trust, Romance, and mystery. To me, that's what makes life interesting.
I loved this novel and didn't want to say goodbye. But hopefully we'll see these guys again in the next book.
Gossamer Falls is a beautiful fictional town that felt like home.
5 stars for a wonderful adventure. I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Never Fall Again is the first book in a new series by @lynnhblackburn. I was hooked from the first page. The book is set in the mountains of North Carolina in a town called Gossamer Falls. (The name of the series)
The heroine is a single mom who will do anything to keep her precious daughter Eliza safe. The hero, who has vowed never to fall for a single mom again, has let them infiltrate his heart. There are quite a few characters to remember, but it didn't bother me because all of them are so likable. There is mystery, suspense, and romance. This book has it all. I really enjoyed it! I look forward to the continuation of the series!!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

A wonderful start to a new series. Lots of characters. There is even a dog. Two little girls add charm and delight. Interesting back stories for the main characters. Nice to see their slow growth. I am eager to read the next one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Never Fall Again by Lynn H. Blackburn grabbed my attention almost immediately and never let up.

"Landry Hutton didn't believe dreams came true anymore."

Landry is a mother who fled her previous life and made a new life for herself and her 5 year old daughter Eliza in a remote place in North Carolina. She is also an artist who makes beautiful pottery for a living.

Landry was invited to Gossamer Falls by her closest friend Bronwyn Pierce. Bronwyn ends up hiring Landry and encourages her to settle down in NC. They live at The Haven, and she ends up hiring former Marine Cal Shaw to handle the construction for her new home. The problem is Cal has a history of being hurt by a relationship with a single mother, and has vowed never to do that again.

This book has a little bit of everything...second chances, redemption, romantic suspense, drama and more.

The Shaw family stole my heart in this first book and I can't wait to read more about them in future books!

What a wonderful setting is Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. It is a small town with interwoven families, beautiful scenery and an exclusive resort. I loved the Quinn family and the dynamics of brothers Cal, Conner and Chad Shaw. They are owners of a construction company and the interactions with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, where everyone in the small town is so connected could be confusing, but it was so much fun!
Landry Hutton is a potter and art teacher at The Haven resort and is hiding from her past with her 5 year old daughter, Eliza. When a fire and vandalism disrupt her life, ex Marine Cal Shaw steps in and his whole family, including his dog, Maisey, are there to comfort Landry. I like the way Cal is drawn to Landry and wants to protect her. His interaction with Eliza shows he is good Dad material.
This story was very suspenseful and also very romantic. I did not want to put the book down! I look forward to the next book in the series because there are hints at several matchups in the making.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through PICT tours, Interviews and Reviews and Netgalley. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are mine alone.*

This is one of the best new books I've read this year! Where do I even start?! I guess I'll just dump out my thoughts on the various things I really liked.

Well, for starters, my heart was gone right away with a cute five-year-old and a golden retriever. There were so many scenes where I just melted at how touching and sweet things were. Maisy might just be my favorite character :)

I just LOVED the Quinn/Shaw family and their dynamics. Cal, Mo, and Meredith are amazing and the rest of the family... there is something about a large family that wants to be together and support each other that grabs me. I kind of want to be one of them. But it's fiction, so I'll keep dreaming.

Landry and Cal were awesome characters. A lot of books will build drama on misunderstandings and miscommunication but not this one. I appreciated how open and honest they were with each other. I can think of one instance in particular where things could have gone south but they talked and it was worked out. That's what adults do.

I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud so many times. This book is HILARIOUS! And it's supposed to be a suspense book!!! Well, the suspense doesn't really ramp up until after halfway through but I didn't even care because I was having so much fun! Seriously, the antics between Cal and his brothers, Cal and his cousins, and the family in general are such a hoot! The coffee scene and the part about blueberry pancakes were especially great.

As I just mentioned, the suspense doesn't really come into play until over halfway through. There is still a lot happening, but before that there is a lot more of learning our characters (there's kind of a lot) and learning the backstory of what happened to our two MCs. Once the suspense does start, it's fast and furious. Honestly, it did kind of get resolved rather quickly, but even though it was fast, it didn't seem wrong. I don't know if that makes any sense or not.

I love this new world Lynn has created and I cannot wait to spend more time with this crew.

Blackburn’s latest novel offers a very promising backdrop of intrigue and romance. Landry is an appealing protagonist who finds refuge behind the resort’s gates as she rebuilds her life. Her budding relationship with Cal allows both of the characters to open their hearts after their past hurts. However, the plot falters several times. The suspicious fire that destroys Landry’s pottery workshop fails to deliver on the anticipated danger, leaving the source of the threat ambiguous. Cal’s hesitation to embrace a new relationship, while understandable, leads to a tepid romantic tension. Although Blackburn skillfully weaves together the strands of small-town charm, second chances, and mystery, but never quite fully delivers the depth that would mimic the described idealized setting of Gossamer Falls. Readers who appreciate romance with a slight touch of suspense will find this a very pleasant diversion.

I want to thank Revell and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Prepare to be transported into the serene realm of Gossamer Falls, where the gentle whispers of cascading waters weave a tale of hope, love, and redemption. Lynn H. Blackburn's Never Fall Again swept me off my feet, creating a vivid world where faith, artistry, and romance intertwine in the most breathtaking of ways.

From the moment I cracked open the pages of this remarkable novel, I was captivated. Landry’s and Callum’s characters leaped off the page, tugging at my heartstrings with every tender moment shared between them. The depth of their characters, haunted by past hurts and fears, was so palpable that I found myself completely invested in their happiness. Their slow-burning romance was a delicate dance of trust and vulnerability, beautifully portrayed by Blackburn's masterful storytelling.

As the mystery and thriller-type suspense unfolded, I was literally on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth alongside Landry and Cal. The fires, break-ins, and threats to Landry's safety added an extra layer of intensity to the story, keeping me guessing. I was swept up in the web of secrets that surrounded the community, family, and friends -- desperate to unravel the truth and ensure Landry's and Liza’s safety.

Yet amidst the danger and intrigue, Never Fall Again is ultimately a story of faith, courage, and resilience. Landry's, Liza’s, and Callum’s unwavering trust in God, even in the face of uncertainty and fear, was a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith. Laundry’s journey in many ways mirrored the shaping of clay in the hands of a master Potter, a poignant metaphor continuing to leave a lasting impression on my soul.

As I reluctantly closed the final pages of Never Fall Again, I was left with a sense of warmth and hope that lingered long after. This book was more than just a story—it was an experience that touched me deeply. The characters felt like cherished friends, the setting a place I yearned to visit. Lynn H. Blackburn has crafted a masterpiece of Christian fiction, one that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Allow yourself to be swept away by the echoes of family, friends, faith, courage, and love that permeate pages perfectly. The movie playing in my mind's eye will continues to play over and over again – it is that good!

I received a digital copy of Never Fall Again from Revell Reads through NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the excellent writing and story’s fantastic, heart-pounding content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Landry Hutton has spent the last three years in Gossamer Falls building a safe place for her young daughter who is just starting Kindergarten, and working as a resident artist. When suddenly everything is upended she must depend on Marine Callum Shaw to help unearth the secrets that threaten her safe haven.

A engaging read, with a riveting plot, and excellent characters. I loved how it had a good balance of faith, romance, relationship building, suspense, and mystery. I loved the building suspense, and natural progression of their relationship, along with heartwarming aspects mixed in.

An amazing start to a new series, with captivating characters that you can cheer for throughout, strong themes of faith, and a plot that kept me guessing. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christian fiction readers will enjoy this first book of the Gossamer Falls' series. Set in North Carolina, readers are introduced to three families that have a background of feuds that are hopefully explained a little more clearly in future books. Love Cal and his protective nature. Eliza is a charmer. Landry's background is revealed as she and Cal become closer. The mysterious predator and his reasoning was surprising. With all the characters, it would be beneficial to have a list. Enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book. Recommended.

Come to Gossamer Falls! It’s a great place to visit, but a dangerous place to live.

Landry Hutton and her daughter Eliza have managed to stay hidden while they’ve rebuilt their lives at The Haven, an exclusive gated resort at Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. Lauren is the artist-in-residence and, after three years, has finally decided to put down roots and build a new home for her and Eliza. She hires Callum Shaw, a former Marine, to build her home but soon realizes that she needs to rely on him for more than her construction. Can he protect them? What about her heart? Should Laundry allow herself to risk heartbreak or should she just stay away from men?

You’ll love the setting:
Gossamer Falls, an hour out of Asheville, has been home to a sprawling yet closely-knit Quinn family for over one hundred years. Blackburn’s examination of their family dynamics shows them with all their bumps and bruises, but still fiercely loyal and with enough love to share with others. She crafts each family member so uniquely that it isn’t difficult to keep them straight. The sheltering they provide allows Lauren to grow and trust.

You’ll love the characters:
Cal has a degree in construction management, has served his country as a Marine, and has a soft, tender heart that is afraid to love again. He wants to distance himself from Landry, but when a mysterious fire ruins everything, he realizes that they need each other. His cousins have Cal’s best interests at heart and aren’t as blind to love. Perhaps they don’t know his reasons for protecting his heart…

Dog lovers: there's a three-year-old Golden Retriever named Maisy

Faith focus: “Her faith in God wasn’t an issue. Her faith in people who claimed to know God? That was an issue.”

Lauren learns that God doesn’t change, but people do, and sometimes not for the best. The author examines Lauren’s lack of trust and readers watch her grow.

This small-town romantic suspense is focused on family dynamics, second chances, trust, and overcoming hurdles. It’s a fantastic start to what will be a great series.

Is love worth the risk? At what cost? You need to find out for yourself!

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.