Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F HAR
Publication
Thomas Nelson (2020), 336 pages
Description
"It has been fifteen months since Eva and Angela lost their thrill-seeking husbands in a scuba diving accident. Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief, but neither one is making much progress. Angela is barely making ends meet, angry at her husband for leaving her to raise three children on her own. Meanwhile, Eva is stuck, unable to move forward after losing the love of her life and her source of inspiration. But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime-an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands' place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband's choices. Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men-Marc is Brent's best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven't had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they wonder: Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?"--Provided by publisher.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member SBMC
"But my greatest sorrow isn't in the things I lost that I had no control over. No, my biggest sorrow is more about the things I lost to fear."
Once again Lindsay Harrel masterfully weaves together broken and raw emotions into a beautiful tapestry of hope, faith, discovery, and victory while
I really loved the heroes of the story. Marc and Simon are loyal, steadfast, and so wonderfully tender. Their faithfulness to Eva and Angela is incredible, even when they are hurt and intentionally pushed away by the women they love. But my favorite character from the story has to be the women's mother-in-law Sherry. After losing her husband and two sons within such a short time span, Sherry remains the spiritual rock for the women, a constant source of encouragement and helping hand. I want to be just like her!
Written with melodic voice and heart-wrenching honesty, The Joy of Falling will linger in your mind and heart long after you've finished the book. Any contemporary romance fan will love this book. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Once again Lindsay Harrel masterfully weaves together broken and raw emotions into a beautiful tapestry of hope, faith, discovery, and victory while
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sensitively and artfully addressing grief from different perspectives. The heroines of the story are two sisters-in-law, bound by grief of having lost their husbands in one terrible accident. They are complete opposites, Angela being the type A control freak who wears anger like her second skin as she struggles to get by as a single mom of three and Eva being the free-spirited and gifted florist who is drowning in sorrow and darkness. Eva was easier to relate to because her emotions flowed freely on the pages but she had a lot of soul-searching and growing up to do to overcome fear. Angela was more difficult to figure out, mostly because she herself didn't know who she was anymore. Regrets and broken dreams haunt Angela until they land in New Zealand to train for and run an ultra marathon. There, surrounded by majestic beauty, both Angela and Eva begin their discovery of purpose, passion, and ultimately God.I really loved the heroes of the story. Marc and Simon are loyal, steadfast, and so wonderfully tender. Their faithfulness to Eva and Angela is incredible, even when they are hurt and intentionally pushed away by the women they love. But my favorite character from the story has to be the women's mother-in-law Sherry. After losing her husband and two sons within such a short time span, Sherry remains the spiritual rock for the women, a constant source of encouragement and helping hand. I want to be just like her!
Written with melodic voice and heart-wrenching honesty, The Joy of Falling will linger in your mind and heart long after you've finished the book. Any contemporary romance fan will love this book. I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
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LibraryThing member Harley0326
I was a bit unsettled to read this book. I knew it dealt with loss and I wasn’t sure I could read another book like that. Well I take all that back. This book is so much more than losing someone. It’s finding yourself, letting go, allowing yourself to grieve and then moving on. I liked how the
I loved reading about New Zealand and how beautiful it is there. I’m not sure I would be able to take on the task that Eva and Angela did. It’s something they needed to do not just for their husbands, but for themselves. I learned a lot while reading this book. God is there for us and wants to fill us with joy. Even in our darkest moments God is there . It gives us hope knowing that we aren’t alone. This book has been a healing for me. I’m grieving for the loss of my brother and the author has helped me through with this story to guide me back to God and find joy and peace in His arms.
The race that the women are determined to finish has so many emotional moments I cried most of the time while reading . Along the trials they each face their past in different ways. I loved reading their adventure in New Zealand and finding strength as they drew closer to the finish line. The book is a wonderful journey of faith as Eva and Angela find joy in the midst of grief. I loved how faith played a part in the story. It was nice to see how Angela and her children found a way to grow closer and lean on each other. Through it all is a strong message of finding yourself, allowing God to help you and to never give up.
“When a negative thought or feeling comes, put it in a box in your mind. Tell yourself that box is sealed, that opening it will destroy everything you’re working toward.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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author showed Eva and Angela in different states of grieving. No one grieves the same and it was nice to see how these women made mistakes, got angry and comforted each other. I loved reading about New Zealand and how beautiful it is there. I’m not sure I would be able to take on the task that Eva and Angela did. It’s something they needed to do not just for their husbands, but for themselves. I learned a lot while reading this book. God is there for us and wants to fill us with joy. Even in our darkest moments God is there . It gives us hope knowing that we aren’t alone. This book has been a healing for me. I’m grieving for the loss of my brother and the author has helped me through with this story to guide me back to God and find joy and peace in His arms.
The race that the women are determined to finish has so many emotional moments I cried most of the time while reading . Along the trials they each face their past in different ways. I loved reading their adventure in New Zealand and finding strength as they drew closer to the finish line. The book is a wonderful journey of faith as Eva and Angela find joy in the midst of grief. I loved how faith played a part in the story. It was nice to see how Angela and her children found a way to grow closer and lean on each other. Through it all is a strong message of finding yourself, allowing God to help you and to never give up.
“When a negative thought or feeling comes, put it in a box in your mind. Tell yourself that box is sealed, that opening it will destroy everything you’re working toward.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
"What I really needed was to learn to experience the grief and realize it was okay to mourn, for life not to be perfect, for life to surprise me sometimes."
This is the story of two women dealing with the deaths of their husbands and how they maneuver through their individual journeys of grief.
Author Lindsay Harrel writes in her author's notes that she suffered the loss of her grandmother while writing this book and it's apparent that her own emotions flavored this story. She allows her characters to question God's Plan and she shows them in different stages of grief but she also offers them the assurance that it's okay to be happy again! The final result is a wonderful story of love, hope, and healing. The Joy of Falling isn't just about letting go of what you had; it is also about grabbing hold of what you can have again!
I highly recommend The Joy of Falling to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and these are my own thoughts.
This is the story of two women dealing with the deaths of their husbands and how they maneuver through their individual journeys of grief.
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Journeys that would appear to be the same but in reality, so very different. As Eva and her sister-in-law Angela struggle to live life without their husbands, they discover that their identities are more than just being the widows of Brent and Wes Jamison. Author Lindsay Harrel writes in her author's notes that she suffered the loss of her grandmother while writing this book and it's apparent that her own emotions flavored this story. She allows her characters to question God's Plan and she shows them in different stages of grief but she also offers them the assurance that it's okay to be happy again! The final result is a wonderful story of love, hope, and healing. The Joy of Falling isn't just about letting go of what you had; it is also about grabbing hold of what you can have again!
I highly recommend The Joy of Falling to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and these are my own thoughts.
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LibraryThing member hes7
Having lost their husbands in a scuba-diving accident over a year ago, both Eva and Angela are still figuring out what moving forward without them should look like. A perfect opportunity to confront what is holding them back presents itself in the form of a New Zealand-based ultra-marathon, a race
I know now that when I pick up a Lindsay Harrel book, I am going to venture into a story of women dealing with the tough parts of life, and she does it so well. In The Joy of Falling, Eva and Angela have different ways of handling their grief. Their interactions—with each other and others around them—are more than messy, at times, but the revelations sparked by the ultra-marathon and a change of scenery provoke necessary, hopeful growth. Harrel presents their full gamut of emotions in a way that feels real, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey alongside her characters. (Oh, and because much of the story takes place in New Zealand, it offers an exciting adventure beyond the current limitations!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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for which the men registered a week before their deaths. As Eva and Angela train to fill the spots of their husbands, the journey they experience moves them inwardly, in addition to outwardly, of course—and it proves to be worth every mile.I know now that when I pick up a Lindsay Harrel book, I am going to venture into a story of women dealing with the tough parts of life, and she does it so well. In The Joy of Falling, Eva and Angela have different ways of handling their grief. Their interactions—with each other and others around them—are more than messy, at times, but the revelations sparked by the ultra-marathon and a change of scenery provoke necessary, hopeful growth. Harrel presents their full gamut of emotions in a way that feels real, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey alongside her characters. (Oh, and because much of the story takes place in New Zealand, it offers an exciting adventure beyond the current limitations!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member medwards429
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Thomas Nelson/TNZ Fiction, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary UNCORRECTED advanced review copy. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
As with most of the books here lately, Lindsay Harrel is a new-to-me author.
I was
Despite the fact they are sisters-in-law, they couldn’t be more different despite the shared grief. And, for most of the book, I despised Angela. While I completely felt sorry for her, I felt that her treatment of Eva was deplorable.
The idea of taking their husbands’ places in the Ultra-Marathon in New Zealand was, to me, a great idea and I wholeheartedly supported Eva. Angela’s reluctance was off-putting. I felt she was particularly selfish, which in a way affected her relationship with her 16 year old daughter, Kylee. Eva has no children because she and Brent thought they had time.
Angela had plans in college which were derailed by a pregnancy and marriage. Still, she tried to be grateful for the life she had and not the one she’d lost. At one point her aunt was going to drive her to get an abortion, which Angela refused.
Marc – Brent’s best friend – had missed that fateful diving trip, and was going to be part of the marathon. As they were going to go as a team – three have to go, or none.
Despite Eva’s offer to help, Angela turns her away. Finally, Angela gives in to do the marathon. But, her schedule doesn’t allow for training. This is where I admired Eva – she offers to pay for Angela, their mother-in-law, and Angela’s kids to move down to New Zealand to complete their training. This was something Eva didn’t have to do, and I admired her for doing it.
Angela also decides to go, hoping to understand why her husband wanted to engage in the risks – she often felt their family wasn’t “enough” for him. And, she is hoping that her mother-in-law is right in that to be a better mom for the kids, she has to heal herself. In this respect, I agree, given the issue she was having with her oldest daughter.
This novel highlights the fact that grief, even if shared, works differently. Angela was mad at Wes for “leaving” the family, where Eva feels like Brent was the world for her.
Things don’t seem to improve with the relocation – Angela is still trying to maintain control, even when Eva plans a fun outing with a zip line.
Even as of chapter 22, the two women are still a mess. Eva is starting to fall for Marc, while Angela is getting close to Simon who is covering their story.
By chapter 27, Angela starts to soften up and becomes a truly likeable character, lighter and less controlling. It is actually her strength and tenacity that pulls the team together during the marathon which is plagued by issues. She becomes the “never-give-up” fighter of the trio, even becoming a true sister to Eva. Even when Eva is injured, Angela refuses to leave the team behind, or quit. And, it is Angela who gives Eva a push towards Marc.
What starts off as a way to honor their husbands, both Eva and Angela become closer and discover that joy is found in the journey. Both women are fighting for a new life that doesn’t completely leave the past too far behind them. That is part of Eva’s problem – she doesn’t want to leave her husband behind.
“The Joy of Falling” is not about moving on from grief, but moving past it. Grief is different for everyone and it can’t be compared. The days get better and fewer sad moments are there. It explores the idea that pain and beauty can inspire us to bloom again.
The title comes from a post-marathon “bucket list” item – parachuting out of a plane. Angela begins to find the “joy in falling”, while trusting God to catch her. This is a beautiful sentiment and moment, particularly in today’s time.
Distributed by the Christian division of Harper Collins – Thomas Nelson/TNZ Fiction – this has some elements of faith. While there are no sermons, visits to church, or even biblical passages/scripture – this does have references to God and his will, trusting him. It is also a clean read – no sex, no violence, and no obscene/questionable language.
Beautiful, frustrating, cathartic, and poignant – I had a hard time putting this beautifully written novel down. As I was in the middle of CampNaNoWriMo, I have been reading slower than normal.
As with most of the books here lately, Lindsay Harrel is a new-to-me author.
I was
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drawn to this book by not only the stunningly gorgeous scenic cover (looks like paradise), but the premise of the book. Two women – Eva and Angela – having been married to brothers, lose them in a diving accident some 15 months earlier. Despite the fact they are sisters-in-law, they couldn’t be more different despite the shared grief. And, for most of the book, I despised Angela. While I completely felt sorry for her, I felt that her treatment of Eva was deplorable.
The idea of taking their husbands’ places in the Ultra-Marathon in New Zealand was, to me, a great idea and I wholeheartedly supported Eva. Angela’s reluctance was off-putting. I felt she was particularly selfish, which in a way affected her relationship with her 16 year old daughter, Kylee. Eva has no children because she and Brent thought they had time.
Angela had plans in college which were derailed by a pregnancy and marriage. Still, she tried to be grateful for the life she had and not the one she’d lost. At one point her aunt was going to drive her to get an abortion, which Angela refused.
Marc – Brent’s best friend – had missed that fateful diving trip, and was going to be part of the marathon. As they were going to go as a team – three have to go, or none.
Despite Eva’s offer to help, Angela turns her away. Finally, Angela gives in to do the marathon. But, her schedule doesn’t allow for training. This is where I admired Eva – she offers to pay for Angela, their mother-in-law, and Angela’s kids to move down to New Zealand to complete their training. This was something Eva didn’t have to do, and I admired her for doing it.
Angela also decides to go, hoping to understand why her husband wanted to engage in the risks – she often felt their family wasn’t “enough” for him. And, she is hoping that her mother-in-law is right in that to be a better mom for the kids, she has to heal herself. In this respect, I agree, given the issue she was having with her oldest daughter.
This novel highlights the fact that grief, even if shared, works differently. Angela was mad at Wes for “leaving” the family, where Eva feels like Brent was the world for her.
Things don’t seem to improve with the relocation – Angela is still trying to maintain control, even when Eva plans a fun outing with a zip line.
Even as of chapter 22, the two women are still a mess. Eva is starting to fall for Marc, while Angela is getting close to Simon who is covering their story.
By chapter 27, Angela starts to soften up and becomes a truly likeable character, lighter and less controlling. It is actually her strength and tenacity that pulls the team together during the marathon which is plagued by issues. She becomes the “never-give-up” fighter of the trio, even becoming a true sister to Eva. Even when Eva is injured, Angela refuses to leave the team behind, or quit. And, it is Angela who gives Eva a push towards Marc.
What starts off as a way to honor their husbands, both Eva and Angela become closer and discover that joy is found in the journey. Both women are fighting for a new life that doesn’t completely leave the past too far behind them. That is part of Eva’s problem – she doesn’t want to leave her husband behind.
“The Joy of Falling” is not about moving on from grief, but moving past it. Grief is different for everyone and it can’t be compared. The days get better and fewer sad moments are there. It explores the idea that pain and beauty can inspire us to bloom again.
The title comes from a post-marathon “bucket list” item – parachuting out of a plane. Angela begins to find the “joy in falling”, while trusting God to catch her. This is a beautiful sentiment and moment, particularly in today’s time.
Distributed by the Christian division of Harper Collins – Thomas Nelson/TNZ Fiction – this has some elements of faith. While there are no sermons, visits to church, or even biblical passages/scripture – this does have references to God and his will, trusting him. It is also a clean read – no sex, no violence, and no obscene/questionable language.
Beautiful, frustrating, cathartic, and poignant – I had a hard time putting this beautifully written novel down. As I was in the middle of CampNaNoWriMo, I have been reading slower than normal.
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LibraryThing member Melissa_O
The Joy of Falling is the first book I have read by Lindsay Harrel and I absolutely loved it. I had seen several people recommend it, but honestly I was leery about reading it because I am not a runner and didn’t think I would be interested. Boy was I wrong! So grateful I took others
After losing their husbands in an accident, Eva and Angela discover their husbands were registered to run in an ultramarathon in New Zealand. They decide to go ahead and run the marathon as a way to honor their husbands. Since travel is not really an option right now, I really enjoyed traveling to New Zealand virtually.
This is a beautiful story of friendship, grief, healing, and learning to live and love again.
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recommendations and took a chance on this story.After losing their husbands in an accident, Eva and Angela discover their husbands were registered to run in an ultramarathon in New Zealand. They decide to go ahead and run the marathon as a way to honor their husbands. Since travel is not really an option right now, I really enjoyed traveling to New Zealand virtually.
This is a beautiful story of friendship, grief, healing, and learning to live and love again.
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LibraryThing member Leann
This is a sweet story. It is about grieving sisters-in-law who have a strained relationship with each other. They wind up on the adventure of a lifetime and both find healing after the deaths of there husbands. There are so many varied elements to this story with a mother-in-law, children, new
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relationships and dreams realized. I enjoyed it all very much! Show Less
Language
Physical description
8.2 inches
ISBN
0785230009 / 9780785230007