Member Reviews
I don't think this book got enough promotion because it was really good. I loved the writing and the fact that there was duel pov's. The characters are great and I adored the C.S. Lewis reference! Great read!
This novel has everything I like and need in my books - deep, raw story; believable, messed-up heroes one can relate to; intelligent plot; some wit, breeziness and fun; some dash of romantics and interesting conflicts. (OK, it does not have nice bloody murder, but this is just a mystery lover in me pinning after such a trope :)).
Simply, this is a gem within the romantic/human stories department, going much deeper than its predecessor of sorts "Close to You" (and yay for Allie and Jackson playing their part here, too!) and I have enjoyed every page.
Emelia and Peter are two broken people - but you wouldn't ever tell that Emelia hids some heartbreaking secrets inside, stories of betrayal and pain. Peter might be broken more visibly - after all, the story of his injured shoulder stopping him in his sports career is well-known - yet a couple of other hurts are hidden within him, too. Just like us with our hearts scarred. And one of the pains they share together, yet they do not know about it. What they know is that there is attractivity between them like they have never felt in their lives. Yet - Peter is a believer, Emelia is not.
Can they find and give forgiveness and healing, even to their hurting selves?
Read this. I am not the one to recomend sugary, unrealistic, shallow. But this one is everything but this.
I LOVED this book and couldn't put it down.
It is set in Oxford--one of my absolute favorite cities, and with a roster of fantastic characters. While I enjoy reading romance novels, I often object to how easily everything happens for them in books, with the exception of whatever crisis the author throws them into just for a chapter or so to "make it interesting." But these characters felt a lot more like real humans, with all of our warts and flaws.
The book is also perfect for CS Lewis fans, as the Chronicles of Narnia factor heavily into the novel.
I received an advanced readers copy of the book from NetGalley.
A sweet, but angst novel about the struggles of a romantic relationship between two Narnia fans--one a Christian, and the other an agnostic. I love these characters, and it was fun seeing the main characters from book #1 have an arc. The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in the setting and igniting the desire to reread, or finish reading, the classics she features. Readers who love a hero with a British accent and characters with realistic flaws will delight in this story. Several scenes take place in the Downton Abbey mansion and feature tea and pudding. A delightful cultural and literare experience wrapped up in a sweet romance.
What the what.... this was so cute!! Oxford, CS Lewis, and faith- just kind of the perfect combination.
Can't Help Falling was so stinkin' cute! I loved the scene where the two MCs first meet -- it was unique and memorable. I felt bad for the heroine and all the guilt she carried for someone's death..but I could see why she felt that way, even if it wasn't really her fault.
I liked the romance and I knew when he finally learned who she was there would be conflict...and there definitely was. Surprisingly, I wasn't a huge fan of the characters from Close to You being in this book. While I had liked their romance and story in that book, for some reason I wasn't a fan here. I did like the characters, it was just the romance that was a little blah for me and I can't even explain why. :/
All in all, I loved Can't Help Falling. It was wonderful and I definitely recommend it!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Kara Isaac returns with another contemporary romantic comedy, this one featuring an injured British athlete and an American journalist with a shared love of Narnia.
In Can’t Help Falling, Emelia Mason leaves behind her past as a “journalist” at an American tabloid magazine. Determined to make a fresh start, she flees to Oxford, England to reinvent herself, and possibly make atonement for the damage she caused in others’ lives. She accepts a position as a fundraising coordinator at a local charity.
Peter Carlisle is a British rower, one of the best, or he was until he was injured. Now Peter is determined to risk everything to get back on top, to chasing his Olympic dreams. Peter and Emelia cross paths and find a shared interest in Narnia (C. S. Lewis). As their relationship develops, the secrets they hide may tear them apart. Will their shared love of Narnia help them overcome the secrets of their past?
Isaac pens a Christian romantic comedy with endearing characters. It is refreshing to find a novel paying homage to English writer, C. S. Lewis. In fact, Peter and Emelia meet in an antique shop with a wardrobe, and Peter’s first question to her is, “Are you a Susan or a Lucy?” Only a Narnia fan would know the difference between the two! The answer to Peter’s question is significant in Emelia’s life, and a turning point for her. The themes of second chances (love and redemption) run throughout the novel. The faith element is light but very present.
Can't Help Falling by Kara Isaac is a fun romance that will keep you wondering if the main characters will ever get together. Each has a bit of baggage that just may not be able to be tossed away to clear the way for true love. The Narnia references throughout the book added interest to the story and helped to bring a little insight into Emelia and Peter's characters. Humor, romance, secrets and a strong theme of faith in a God of second chances make this a delightful read.
I fell in love with Kara Isaac’s debut novel “Close to You” and have eagerly awaited her second. I am pleased to say that I was not at all disappointed. If anything, Isaac’s writing is even stronger and her characters more developed. in “Can’t Help Falling”.
I did not find quite as many laugh-out-loud moments in “Can’t Help Falling” but there were definitely some of those moments sprinkled throughout its pages. And who could resist a Narnia loving heroine and hero? Emelia and Peter were a fun couple who definitely grew on me as the story progressed. I absolutely loved the Narnia related moments and bits of whimsy that were worked deftly into this oh so serious romance. I also enjoyed catching up with Alison and Jackson from “Close to You” who played prominent supporting roles in this novel. Then there was Peter’s brother Victor who was perfectly horrible through most of the story. I personally hope he will be featured in a future story of his own. I just love finding characters I dislike in one book featured in another one where they become a changed person. Victor has such potential so my fingers are crossed!
“Can’t Help Falling” is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption in which several characters blame themselves for the bad choices of one person that led to her own death. That same guilt was the source of multiple misunderstandings that nearly destroyed relationships. You will need to read the book to learn how it all works out but I think you will enjoy the entire process.
I can’t recommend Kara’s two novels enough. They were both wonderful and kept me flipping those pages quickly. She is a new author who is worth taking a chance on.
I struggled with the first book by Isaac because I didn't have any LotR knowledge. But when I saw this one was based on CS Lewis for the literary background I felt much better about it. While I haven't read all of his Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe books I have read the main book and know more about the series.
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the two main characters a lot. I hate that so many lies were told in the story but understood why and liked that in the end the truth came out. I also really enjoyed the main male character being a rower. I didn't know anything about the sport and enjoyed learning a little bit more. I felt like the sport was described the perfect amount without going too far into it.
I especially liked the character development for Emelia. I found her character very intriguing. I also really liked the love story though I wish it would have expounded upon the spirituality a little bit more.
Overall I was very pleased with this book and am glad I gave it a chance. I do look forward to more books by Isaac in the future.
Netgalley provided me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.