A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England. Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter facade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for … wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England–home to C.S. Lewis–to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers–until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.more
Delightful story and I loved the Narnia references!
This book was an absolute delight to read! The characters and their circumstances are so relatable that it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in their journey. Such a sweet romance but also such depth as they worked through – sometimes apart, sometimes together – the challenges in their lives. Such beautiful themes of love, faith, forgiveness and hope amidst the heartache found in so many lives. Loved all the references to Narnia and other literary works too. An incredible story, beautifully written.
I LOVE this book. I love that it was set in the UK and that Kara Isaac does not skip over difficult topics. I like how the relationships build with each of the characters, not just the love interests. This book shows how you can love someone who does not love Christ and show them His love. I also like getting to see characters from previous books pop back in!
This was a really enjoyable book to read. There were plenty of humorous moments, yet the characters had to deal with some tough realities. Decisions have consequences, and both main characters struggled with guilt over things that happened in their lives.
I really liked the way the attraction developed between Peter and Emelia. The fact that one of them was not a believer created complications and made for a very interesting story. It was fun that Jackson and Allie, the main characters from the book Close to You, were in this novel and that the readers could see what was happening in their lives. However, you can still enjoy Can’t Help Falling even if you have not read Close to You.
Can’t Help Falling started off at a little bit slower pace for me, however, once I hit the halfway mark in the book, I didn’t want to set the novel down. I really enjoyed this story.
What’s not to love about a book that involves a wardrobe, a teacup, and enough Narnia quotes to bring a broad smile to any Lewis fan’s eyes?
On top of that, there is a lovely story of redemption, forgiveness and second chances.
Even though the chemistry is instantly, I loved how the romance took its time developing, which made the story seem more real and relatable. Also, it was easy to see how the struggles each character was facing became stronger as their feelings for one another grew.
Emelia has been broken inside for a long time and after a big mistake she decides to rebuild her life and go after what she holds dear – Narnian wardrobes -, hoping she can find redemption in a new setting. I thought she was a wonderful and vulnerable character trying to find her feet again. I loved how she ended up finding her redemption where she least expected.
Peter was a great character. Very honorable and trying to protect everyone, risking his own reputation to do so. But not in a moment is he portrayed as perfect. I liked his honesty and thought the author wrote some difficult and challenging conversations in relation to Peter dealing with his feelings for Emelia.
Having Allie and Jackson in this novel was the best surprise ever! I liked how they counseled and challenged and loved the younger couple.
This was just a beautiful and funny book that warmed my heart and made me wish it would not end
As a ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan and a lover of New Zealand I couldn’t resist this book. For those who like romances – you’ll like this one. Rollicking fun and plenty of laughs. An interesting story that keeps you reading right to the end (even if romance isn’t your thing). I loved some of the descriptions and fresh writing.
If you’re going to write romance, then this is the right kind.
I’m a Narnian at heart, therefore it was the synopsis of Kara Isaac’s sophomore novel which led me to take a chance on a new author. Can’t Help Falling starts out sweet and a little silly, a clever approach by the author to draw her readers in deeper–like wading into the ocean. Emelia and Peter’s awkward introductions wet my feet, with the hint of a secret I was in up to my knees, by the time Emelia’s plan of self-redemption is in motion I was treading water, and then whoosh… The story swept me away.
When Peter finds Emelia in an antique wardrobe he asks “Are you a Susan or a Lucy?” If you are familiar with the Narnia series, you know how Emelia wants to answer the question. However, Emelia is not a Christian and even cringes later in the story when Peter mentions church. She is worldly and Isaac writes an accurate description of the way many 20-somethings think, live, and behave. If the mention of make-up sex in a Christian novel turns you off then consider this fair warning, but I’d hate for sensitive readers to miss out on a really wonderful story about God’s sovereignty, His ability to reach the lost, and His calling on us to extend grace and forgiveness.
The manner in which this author describes a scene, her character development, as well as the C.S. Lewis/Narnia tie in were spot on! Furthermore, I don’t often buy romance novels because I can’t stand it when characters drone on and on about how physically attracted or how strong their longings are for one another ( pining). If you understand where I’m coming from, then trust me when I say this is good romance. I will definitely read another Kara Isaac novel.
As a person who has made the wrong choices and truly wished she could go back and undo them, I could profoundly relate to Amelia. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. Peter is so determined to pursue his Olympic dream even if it leaves him disabled and in pain. These two Narnia fans are seemingly on a collision course to each other. Ms. Isaac kept me turning those pages to see if either of them would be left standing at the end. I love the way the author makes me laugh out loud at times and brings moisture to my eyes at others. This book gets one of my rare 5 star ratings.