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From “the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand) and the bestselling author of the Peachtree Bluff series comes an odd-couple tale of friendship that asks just how much our past choices define our happiness.
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.
In her warmest, wisest novel yet, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a discerning portrait of modern womanhood through two vastly different lenses. Feels Like Falling is a beach bag essential for Harvey fans–and for a new generation of readers.
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This book is a delight! A perfect escape!
Feels Like Falling is a captivating tale of two very different women, two people who have absolutely nothing in common. Well, other than the fact that they are both struggling and have no one else to lean on. As their unlikely friendship unfolds, we get to watch them learn what is really important, and who they can really rely on.
Kristy’s stories just keep getting better and better with each book she writes. I am so excited for her and the release of Feels Like Falling. This is the perfect beach-read book for this summer, even if you don’t make it to the beach. Pick it up. Read it. I promise you won’t be disappointed—you’re going to love it, just like I did!
Kristy Woodson Harvey has become one of my favorite beach read/southern fiction authors. It was so dreary out the Sunday I read Fells Like Falling. It was just the book to give me the pickup I needed. This fast read follows Diana and Gray pick up the pieces of the lives. Both have suffered losses. Gray thought she had it all until her Mother dies from Cancer and her husband leaves her for his assistant. Diana is homeless and jobless. She also feels the loss daily of her brothers and sisters when their mother mysteriously left them all along when they were young.
Both women come together when Diana loses her job because of Gray. These two women become friends and are exactly what each other needed. It was fun watching the friendship grow and watching their friends gather together to protect them. This book has conflict, friendship, family, romance, and love. Thank you to Kristy Woodson Harvey, Gallery Books, and Netgalley for an ecopy of this book and this is my honest review.
This is the first book that I have ever read by this author and I must say that I will look for more of her light, easy reading in the future. Set in the beautiful coastline of North Carolina, the book has a story to tell about lasting friendships and unexpected events in life that help to shape us. The main characters, Gray Howard and Diana Harrington, have both made some really poor choices in life leading to current consequences that are molding them into new women with a new purpose in life. Gray’s mom just died of cancer, her sister got married to a religious fanatic and her husband has left her for his executive assistant, a young woman that Gray actually hired. Thus, Gray is feeling alone and abandoned by happiness. Diana Harrington has left her boyfriend who is a gambling addict and is working a menial job at a photo shop when Gray comes in for a print job and ends up getting Diana fired. This begins an unlikely friendship that develops as the story continues. I fell in love with the author’s ability to weave a good story with good lessons in it. The themes of second chances and surprises in life that fulfill us more than we thought anything could. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Diana and Gray, with all of their weaknesses out there for all to see and all of the strength that carried them through as well. Fans of light romance will enjoy this newest book by Kristy Woodson Harvey.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
First I’ve read by this author. Enjoyable, quick read. Finished in just a few hours.
3.5/5
Thank you #netgalley and #gallerybooks for the eARC.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author and will not be my last. We set goals we want to achieve in our lives but sometimes you find out that they were not really what you wanted. Living life changes your wants and desires so you charter a new course. Enjoy!
I’m still feeling the effects of this wonderful and moving story with strong female characters, that I love and adore so much. I was instantly transported to Cape Carolina, NC: longing to live there with Gray, Diana and their group of loved ones. This is one of my all-time favorite books, ever. Gray and Diana are perfect ages I relate to and both at a point in their lives where things are changing. They meet at this time when they need each other to get through it all, even though they couldn’t be more different. .They prove that it’s never too late to get a second chance at a happily ever after, no matter where you started. What a feel-good book to start beach-read season and much-needed during quarantine life.
Feeling Like Falling is the story of two amazing women, Diana and Gray, going through different trials in their lives. Diana has finally left her boyfriend after years while Gray is going through a divorce from her cheating husband. Through unique circumstances they come together and build a friendship that helps them find their happily ever afters.
Gray and Diana are so different, but their friendship shows that where they come from and what their circumstances are do not matter. They lean on each other and create a friendship that helps them heal from their pasts, move on to their futures, and find a happiness that they both didn’t know they craved. I love the relationship between Gray and her son and how she put her son above the dislike she felt for her husband. She made life easy for her son all while making sure that there was a relationship between father and son. Diana was strong and held her own, she knew what her goal was and was willing to put in the work to make it happen.
My heart is full after reading Feels Like Falling. I felt so many emotions and had so many hopes as to how this story would go. Kristy Woodson Harvey has written a book that I could not stop reading. I was invested in the characters, able to picture the settings, and feel the emotions of the story.
I’ve said it before, but it is so true – Kristy Woodson Harvey’s writing continues to evolve with each and every novel she puts out. Feels Like Falling will have readers wishing they were at the coast right there with Gray, Diana and crew..
Feels Like Falling examines the dynamics of two individuals from very different backgrounds. Diana from a less fortunate history and Gray who has worked hard to build her empire. Thrown together by an unfortunate situation, they find they bring out the best in each other. Then throw in some good old fashioned love stories for each of them and what Kristy Woodson Harvey ends up with is a fantastic, sure to be a hit beach read for 2020.
Put this on your TBR now, go order it – I promise you, you will not regret it!
I so love finding a new author that I really enjoy. This story has some very strong female characters, who are even stronger by helping others. I think you will enjoy following the stories of Gray and Dianna. I liked that these two came from different worlds, but came to be family to each other. I think you’ll see in this story that family is very important to everyone. I laughed at some of the antics and responses of these wonderful people. I think you will too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
Gray’s world has recently shifted. She is getting divorced, her sister has married an extremist and her mother just died of cancer. Enter Diana. Gray caused Diana to lose her job…well sort of. So, what else are you supposed to do…you move Diana into your guest house.
Diana has struggled her whole life. Foster homes, bad decisions and bad boyfriends have kept her from succeeding. Gray is determined to change this. She gives Diana a job and a place to live. But…above all this, she gives Diana love and friendship.
No one has better characters than Kristy Woodson Harvey. Gray and Diana have great sparring matches and friendship laughter. Then there is Trey. Trey is Gray’s assistant and I just love him! He needs his own novel!
I have enjoyed all of Kristy’s books. However, I think this is her best! I found myself laughing and crying throughout this whole story. I love a book which takes you on a roller coaster ride.
Plus…..THIS COVER! It is the best!
This is my first book by Kristy Woodson Harvey and I honestly loved it. It was told with such sweet southern charm and southern friendships that you felt right at home. I usually read thrillers and this was a nice escape from that.
Diana was just a child when her mother left her, her sister and two brothers. They wanted to stay together and tried to for as long as they could. But ultimately they were separated and put into foster care where Diana learned that she had to fight for what she wanted and needed. She had a tough life and learned to appreciate things at a young age. Family meant more to Diana than anything. She had a bad habit of falling for the wrong type of man because of a heartbreak that happened when she was only eighteen years old. A love so deep it would last her a lifetime.
Gray was a woman who had worked hard to get where she was and she didn’t want to lose her business or even half of it to her cheating soon to be ex husband and his much younger fiancé.. Gray and Greg had been married ten years when he informed her that he was leaving her for Brooke. Wagner was their eight year old son and Gray loved him more than life itself.
This story has a southern charm about it that will make you believe that almost anything can happen. No matter how hard or impossible things seem they just work out. When Diana’s ex, Frank comes back after twenty two years, they start talking again. He was her true love. The one. The only person she could ever give her whole heart too. Frank felt the same about Diana, but when they were younger things just didn’t work out for them. It’s a very sad thing but to understand it you have to live it. To live it you have to read it. This book is so full of love and laughter and some sadness thrown in for good measure that you won’t want to put it down. You will keep turning the pages until the very end because you will have to know what happens and why. What happened to the characters to make them the people they are. Can love be salvaged and can two families put aside their differences for the sake of the child. This is a very though provoking story of love that almost didn’t happen and love that may not happen. Forgiveness for things that seemed so impossible to understand when you are so young and even when you are a grown woman. Love can prevail though. If you believe strong enough and want it bad enough. Forgiveness is vital to living and loving in this life.
Thank you #NetGalley, #GalleyPocketBooks, #KristyWoodsonHarvey for this ARC. This is my own review. My own thoughts and feelings.
I had to give this story a big 5 stars. It’s a high recommendation and a real page turner from the very first page.
Kristy Woodson Harvey has become one of my favorite authors. I know when I pick up one of her books I will fall in love with the characters. And that’s exactly what happened while reading Feels Like Falling. The characters here were are so wonderful and believable, especially Gray and Diane, and the story itself was so delightful. It was exactly what I needed right now, a feel-good story. KWH is a master at writing books about the importance of family and friends, love and loss. I just adored this book and it will be going on my Favorites 2020 list. This is definitely a must read and highly recommend everyone read it. It will bring a smile to your face.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
I absolutely adored this book! I know that sounds like extreme praise, but this novel deserves it. It was one that kept me torn between not wanting to put it down and not wanting it to end. FEELS LIKE FALLING by Kristy Woodson Harvey pulls you in from the very beginning and weaves a story that will not let you go, even after you have finished the last word.
From the outside, Gray Howard seems to have it all, but looks can be deceiving. Her marriage has fallen apart, her soon-to-be-ex is trying to take half her company, her sister’s new marriage has turned her into someone Gray doesn’t know, and her mother passed away. She’s just barely holding things together when she meets Diana Harrington and inadvertently contributes to her getting fired. Losing her job was just the latest disappointment in Diana’s life: she broke up with her boyfriend after he left her broke, which also left her homeless. Her job wasn’t great, but it was something and it kept her on track toward her dream. When another encounter with Gray leads to first a job, and later, a place to stay, this odd couple is on track to what appears to be the unlikeliest of friendships but provides each with the strength, support, and love to navigate the next stages in their lives, let go of what they thought their life should be and embrace what makes them happy and find their future may not be what they expected or planned, but is what they needed.
Harvey has created two main characters who are complex and compelling. Despite their differing circumstances, their lives parallel in what they are experiencing. They both give each other the “tough love” when needed, and support the other no matter what, becoming not just friends, but family. Both characters are strong and weak in their own ways, and their friendship brings out the best in each. These are two women that I would love to be included their friend/family circle. The supporting characters are also well-developed and provide more depth to the main characters and the story. The setting is beautifully described and I could see myself in Carolina Beach and more specifically, at Gray’s home with all of them.
FEELS LIKE FALLING is a novel that will have you laughing and crying as you root on these two strong women and their lives. This is a novel you shouldn’t miss! It’s the perfect beach read or anytime read. Sit down and dive in!
Thanks to NetGalley and he publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#TallPoppyWriter #TallPoppyBlogger #BloomReads #GalleryBooks #FeelsLikeFalling
After losing three of the most important people in her life, 35 year old Gray is now entering a “summer of change.” How will she deal with this new season of life, and how will her new friend/employee, Diana (who is dealing with her own life changes), spur her along?
As always, the latest from this author provided a great escape from everyday life. Her characters are always so real and authentic and in no time flat, they felt like old friends. This novel explored so many topics, such as grief, divorce, dating after divorce, autism, friendship, and kindness. If you’re looking for a break from pandemic news, then I would highly recommend anything by this author, especially the Peachtree Bluff series!
Location: North Carolina
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “Feels Like Falling” by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Gallery Books, April 28, 2020
Kristy Woodson Harvey, author of “Feels Like Falling” has written a delightful, heartwarming, and memorable novel. The genres for this novel are Southern Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this story is sent in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters and events. I love the way Kristy Woodson Harvey tells her story and writes her vivid descriptions of the characters, events, and setting in her novel. I appreciate that the author describes the importance of friendship, family, forgiveness, love, and hope. The author describes her characters as likable and relatable. Some are complex and complicated and have their own problems to sort out.
Imagine two strangers, each with incredibly bad luck, meeting and becoming the best of friends. Gray Howard and Diana Harrington meet under unusual unfortunate circumstances and Gray invites a homeless Diana to move into her home. Gray misses her young son who is with his father and girlfriend for 3 weeks. Both women do share some issues and do give each other emotional support.
I appreciate the positive tone that the author uses in her novel. The author discusses the importance of an open mind, and an open heart in approaching life. This is a feel-good story with wonderful characters, and I would highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a thought-provoking and heartfelt novel.
This is the perfect read for this time of isolation and stress as it provides an escape to a happily-ever-after.
Gray Howard has a successful business but not a successful marriage. Diana Harrington has lost her job and is living in her car. Their paths cross resulting in Gray giving Diana a place to live.
The best parts of this book are the strong friendships. These are characters I would love to have in my life. They are supportive of each other and so much fun! They form their own family amongst themselves, bringing out the best in each other. The story runs through many emotions – loneliness, despair, hope, joy, sadness, laughter, tears. While not entirely realistic, the story is fun as they find their “happy-ever-afters”.
“Sometimes we get right where we need to be by ending up exactly where we started.”
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
Fells Like Falling is emerging southern voice Kristy Woodson Harvey’s sixth book. Set in fictional Cape Carolina, NC, this is the story of two women who become the most unlikely of best friends. Gray Howard is in a downward spiral. She recently lost her mother to cancer, her sister to an evangelical preacher, and her husband to the assistant she had hired to help him in the job she had given him. The only good things this early 30s entrepreneur has going right now is her 8 year old son, her summer home on the Cape, and her best friend Marcy there to cheer her own.
Diana Harrington’s life has never been lived on a level playing field. Her single mother had deserted Diana and her three siblings, all from different fathers, when Diana was just a child. Her older brother, Charles, tried to keep the kids together, but he was only a kid himself. The four were split apart, three going into the foster system, one into a home, since Phillip had severe autism issues. Now, at 40, Diana is leaving yet another no good relationship and is fired from a dead end job.
Because Gray feels responsible for Diana’s job loss, she brings her in as a housekeeper, giving her homeless new “friend” a job and a place to stay. The two women find they begin to rely on each other as more than job-based alliance, Gray opening doors for Diana, Diana opening thoughts for Gray.
This story is a lovely blend of differences that shines a light on how great the similarities of the two protagonists are. Over the course of this summer season on the Cape, each woman will find a deep friendship as well as their path for the future. This very interesting and witty book featured strong female characters in a lovely coastal setting. I very much enjoyed this humorous and tender tale and do recommend it!
Boy, did I enjoy my time on the North Carolina coast!
The dual story line between Gray and Diana keeps you captivated with every flick of the page. You can’t help but fall in love with them both, cringe at their missteps, cheer at their successes, and be humbled by the hardships they’ve each faced. They are not the same, and yet they share the same experience…the HUMAN experience. The kindness they show each other, the friendship that grows, the hard times they tackle together, and the dreams they can’t believe may turn into realities, endear them to you even more.
I loved Gray for her tenacity in business, yet innocence in love…OMG…Andrew…I never thought I’d find their connection appealing with the younger man, slightly older woman couple, but he was definitely a keeper! I loved Diana for her present self, grown from a past that was life changing to say the very least. I loved how once she made up her mind, she stuck to whatever path she decided, but wasn’t so hardheaded that she wouldn’t listen to friend founded wisdom when necessary. In the end, they were both just what the other needed at this massive junction in their lives.
A definite must read this summer to escape whatever “present” you might be inevitably in!
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Gray and Diana, two women from completely opposite walks of life fill Feels Like Falling with a great story full of friendship, everything Southern, finding our place in the world and finding our tribe.
I love Kristy Woodson Harvey’s work. You can always count on her for uplifting women’s fiction that just plain outright makes you feel good. With the world the way it is with Covid19, I needed a read like this.
If you like any of the things I mentioned above, pick this book up and snuggle down to enjoy yourself.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for allowing an ARC at my request. This review and all thoughts are my own.