Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
I’ve been reading so many new authors this year, I can’t keep up with all of them – lol. But I remember that I came across this book on Bookstagram, when it was trending and all of the reviews were extremely positive. Of course I had to find out myself, and now after finishing this book I can say, the reviews were correct, this book is all about the friendships, and the feel good vibe of a beach read.
SYNOPSIS
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.
Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
MY THOUGHTS
As so many reviews have mentioned before, this book is all about the friendships between the two female main characters. It’s about Diana and Gray, who have dual POVs throughout this book.
Between Diana and Gray (both had a different narrator) the story moved pretty quickly. And I enjoyed getting to know them, their pasts, their struggles, and their dreams. Both, were likable characters, although they weren’t without flaws. Two strong females, that were at different points of their lives. One more successful than the other. Nevertheless when they found each other, the stars aligned, and their life became richer because of each other.
I enjoyed both POVs, Diana was the more Southern voice, which I thought was beautifully done by the narrator, Gray’s voice was more subtle. I loved their friendship, their banter, and their individual personalities. Their backstories were interesting, well put together, and delivered complex characterization.
Both women found love, but I must admit I would have liked the author to dive a little deeper into each love story. The falling in love happened a bit too quickly for it to be believable. And sometimes I had the feeling that the chapters jumped forward in time, and I was missing parts of the story. But I guess that happens when a book covers two characters, and two story arcs. Because in the end there is only so much that can be covered.
This and Gray’s decision making when it came to Andrews were the only two aspects of the story that I could complain about.
I rarely read romances about couples with an older heroine and a younger guy, just because I can’t see myself in the couple, and secondly the arguments are always the same. It’s becomes boring for me, and repetitive. Fortunately for me the author didn’t drag it out too much, but there was one sub plot, with a second love interest, that I couldn’t wrap my head around.
| last thoughts |
But overall I had a lot of fun with this book. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the author’s voice. I laughed, chuckled and smiled. And I can definitely see myself reading more by this author.
The book is a feel good novel. More women’s fiction than contemporary romance. But with two love stories, it was a very satisfying read for me. The audiobook was very well done, both narrators delivered, and made me laugh out loud.
It’s definitely a book I would recommend to anyone interested in reading this genre.
MY RATING:
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Goodreads • Amazon • Author’s Website
Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Haven’t heard of this book nor this author but it sounds interesting! I’m always on the lookout for books with good friendships.
I didn’t hear about her either, it’s one of these #bookstagrammademedoit kind of books 😀 which I’m actually quite glad about, because I had a really good time with it.
I haven’t read a book like this in a while where the friendship is front and center. I am tempted to read this one because it sounds so good — and I love that cover. I wish the romance would have been a little better for you, though.
The friendships in the book is what stands out, so the romance is a nice bonus, but you know me, in the end it’s all about the romance 😀
I love it when a book places an emphasis on friendship, but I’m sorry to hear that the romance wasn’t as fleshed out as it could have been.
Loved the friendship, and the romance was a bonus. Honestly, I didn’t even expect this much romance at all:D
Good to know its more women’s fiction, I always like to be more prepared if it has less romance focus. But looks like it was a satisfying one.
me too!! I go into a book with different expectations, and it allows me to enjoy it more fully if I know what to expect – if that makes sense 😀