Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own. After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s … Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight.
While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance?
As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?
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*4.5 stars*
I always talk about how I love when books make me feel something but I have to say that this one incited a whole level of anger I didn’t know I had in me. In the beginning I felt like Derrick was actually underplayed from his role, but the further I got into the story the more his personality showed its true colors. I have seen countless families broken up in my lifetime and seen the level of damage that can arise especially when one party is an abuser and manipulator. As a child I saw friends hurt by their parents fighting and often rebelling themselves either for attention or simply because they knew they could get away with it. As an adult I’ve seen parents struggle because of unsupportive exes and seen others manipulate their children (and even new spouses) to make themselves appear more innocent. We are all broken selfish sinners, but there is something to be said about intentional manipulators and abusers. (Ask me how I really feel haha). As sad as it may sound, the chances are that in today’s world you’ve either witnessed abuse and divorce personally or seen friends or other loved ones walk through it. So chances are the more you dig into this one, the more anger you’ll find springs up in you too. There are so many people walking in Cassie’s shoes in today’s world that it breaks my heart. This isn’t a story I’ll soon be forgetting.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
When I picked up this book I had a feeling it was going to be a tough read for me, and in a lot of ways I was right. Being a woman that left an abusive marriage myself, I deeply identified with a lot of things that happened to Cassie and Renee, certain things bringing tears to my eyes and memories to my mind as I’m reading them happen to the characters, reality hitting me hard, and leading me to contemplate my own past and how far I’ve come in my journey. There are things that happened that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy and breaks my heart when I think of others that have had to endure such injustices.
Despite the tough subject matter, this novel is well written with such heart and authenticity that it wasn’t a shock when I found out this story is based on the authors own experiences. The thread of faith and forgiveness, as well as finding your own way, was beauty amid the pain, and I appreciated the satisfying ending.
A heartbreakingly beautiful love story and one that I think everyone needs to read.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
One Woman Falling is beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring and redemptive… Author Melanie Campbell has created a story that isn’t just read, but rather experienced with the heart. I found One Woman Calling to be a truly inspiring story of one woman’s brave, tremendous love for her daughter paralleled with the love the Heavenly Father has for her and the freedom only He can offer.
I was captivated by this story from the start and had trouble putting the book down. As Cassie realizes that she needs to break away from the verbally and physically abusive relationship with her husband, the brevity of the first hand experience was deeply felt. Campbell writes in the first person, which is an aspect that attributes to the integrity of the story, thus allowing readers a look into the heart and mind of the main character. More than once I felt my own mother’s heart breaking for her as she ached for her child and for resolution from conflict.
There’s vulnerability, poignancy and so much depth to this novel. It was riveting and heartwarming without being overly heavy or sad… Through the hardships of a separation, custody battle and subsequent divorce, Cassie finds meaning and light in her weekend treks to various waterfalls. It is there that God speaks to her heart in the stillness and opens her mind to what He has in store for her life. In addition, Cassie begins to see the way God placed people in her life at various intervals for a reason, confirming the fact that God works all things, even the hardest times, together for the good of those that love Him and pursue Him.
The faith based elements aren’t overwhelming but significant. Without them, the beauty in the redemption of the pain Cassie walks through wouldn’t be possible. There is no making light of the reality in these hard and very real experiences, but it doesn’t consume the novel… It’s portrayed tastefully and expertly. At the end, in the author’s note, Campbell shares this novel was based on her own real life experiences and her testimony, something I give her immense credit for. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction as well as mature, older teens. Trigger warnings include alcoholism, divorce, verbal and physical abuse, and contemplation of suicide. It is my opinion that these matters are handled with excellent care and are not overly in depth or heavy. The author handles each with grace and Biblical application.
*I received an e-copy of this book from the author and JustRead Publicity tours in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
One Woman Falling is a deep story, touched by betrayal, hurt and healing.
We are invited into Cassie Peterson’s life and it opens the door for the reader to see the root of her denial of abuse (even when it’s apparent to all others around Cassie). In the story, Cassie puts the needs of her child first, and then discovers she is also deserving of protection and love. The grief, the unease, the fear in just admitting things aren’t as they seem, can be enough to keep an abuse victim encaged and shackled to their abuser. But then Cassie discovers faith enough to pursue safety.
I can’t recommend this book enough. If you’ve ever been in a situation that felt overwhelming and out of your control, if you or a loved one has been in a damaging relationship, if you’ve ever wanted to understand how someone could possibly find themselves in a situation of hopelessness, then go get a copy of this book.
I’ve been disappointed by Christian fiction before: shallow characters, shallow plots, and easy answers. I’ve been disappointed because I know that if Christ can handle my hard questions about the world, so can Christian fiction.
One Woman Falling handles the hard questions, and it does that incredibly well.
Domestic abuse is a dark reality that many Christians are unsure of how to approach. When is divorce justified? When is abuse “bad enough”? Shouldn’t a woman respect her husband? What if there is a child involved?
The protagonist, Cassie, asks herself these questions—and is forced to make some decisions—but the book never pretends to have easy answers. There is no miracle to fix everything in this story. The characters are flawed and broken. Yet God’s hand is evident throughout.
This story isn’t just deep—it’s well-written. Every inch of this story, I felt Cassie’s fears and hurts, her hopes, and her determination to protect her daughter. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the lead character felt so beat-down and helpless, yet simultaneously so impressed me with her determination and bravery. Cassie is both relatable and inspiring in a way that I rarely see accomplished in fiction.
One Woman Falling doesn’t take on the heavy topic of abuse simply for shock or drama. This is an authentic, heartfelt story from an author who has lived through domestic abuse herself. Its purpose is not merely to entertain, but to inspire empathy, understanding, and courage.
The church is beginning to realize that it has a blind spot in how it has handled abuse. Many victims feel alone, too afraid to call for help because they doubt anyone will believe them. And too often they’re right. Even well-meaning Christian leaders and laypeople have offered uninformed advice and pat answers. Different kinds of abuse, the pattern of abuse, the lies abusers tell . . . these are things churches must be prepared to face if we are to be Christ’s light in the dark corner of abuse.
One Woman Falling is a powerful spark for shining that light.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I had trouble putting One Woman Falling down after I started reading it. From the first author Melanie Campbell pulled me into this story. And one thing I found interesting but sad, is this story is inspired by her own life story. She writes this book to help others in abusive marriages and situations to know how to deal with their abuse and get help. My heart goes out to Ms. Campbell for what she went through, but I praise her over and over again for sharing a story that is sure to help others who are sadly in the same situation.
Cassie Peterson’s life is full of betrayal and hurt because of an abusive husband. Even after she leaves him, Derrick still controls Cassie with his threatening behavior. But she has to do whatever it takes for the safety of their daughter. But getting a job and leaving her husband proved to be more than she thought possible.
Not living in an abusive relationship, I couldn’t relate to what this author was writing, but I am so glad I have the opportunity to read and review this book. If it can help one woman that is dealing with these issues, it is worth it! Ms. Campbell well researched her story, adding to that what she already knows from her own experience, and writes an amazing story that will grip the hearts of everyone who reads One Woman Falling. This is the best book I have read dealing with abusive husbands. Expertly written, every scene in the book vividly describes and explaines the level of abuse Cassie Peterson was dealing with. The verbal abuse was horrific, my heart hurt each time Derrick showered her with his evil, wicked, corrupt words. But what was even worse, the same wickedness and corruption was spilled into the heart of their four year old daughter, Renee.
There is so much more going on in this story, I have only touched on a few. You just have to read the book to get the full story. It is a story well worth your time. And I think every woman should read this book. If you have never been in an abusive relationship, you may meet someone who has, and this book with help you help anyone who needs it. And I want to mention that I love how Ms. Campbell uses my favorite character Nannie, and tells how God much God loves each one of us, and He is the only true help in situations such as these. I love how this sweet old lady tells the story.
I would like to thank the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Before you read One Woman Falling, you may want to flip to the back of the book and check out the author’s note where she shares that she didn’t want to write this story and the reasons why.
When Cassie Peterson has had enough and leaves her verbally abusive husband, she goes on a painfully emotional journey of establishing her new normal. Melanie Campbell does a superb job of putting readers in Cassie’s head and allowing them to feel her fear, pain, and heartbreak.
This book was hard to read but it is full of truths that, unfortunately, many women (and even some men) deal with today. My heart hurt for Cassie and little Renee with the way her ex-husband manipulated them both. I was a little annoyed with the co-worker situation (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you read the book) but in the end, Cassie does prove her strength and resilience or greater than she imagined.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Great Read
This book is the story of a woman going from barely trudging through life with all of her troubles and trials to confidently striding through life with God on her side!
I can’t begin to tell you how amazing this book was! Watching Cassie grow in character throughout her life’s journey and the struggle to keep hold of her loved ones and fighting for it with all her might like she did was such a treat! Loved the storyline, Loved (most) of the characters,(you gotta dislike the bad guys, right?)
I can only imagine little Renee’s distress at going through all of this change, and only at Four years old! Thankfully, I have never been in a situation like she has.
3/5 Great Read!
OH MY HOLY HECK!!! THIS STORY YA’LL!!!
Ms. Campbell grabs the reader, jerks you into the story, and doesn’t let go.
Cassie’s situation is terrifying and yet all too common. Sticks and stones… but words can be deadly. Cassie was beat down by the venom-laced words of her husband as surely as if she had been pummeled with a fist or a baseball bat. Derrick was a bully. Self-important, manipulative, and controlling.
The suspense and tension in this story builds with every page. So tangible was the telling, I wanted to scream at Cassie, to drag her away with my own hands. To warn her of the mind games Derrick was playing.
Ms. Campbell conveys Cassie’s anguish, her torment vividly, and Renee’s confusion at the conflict in her father’s lies. She skillfully portrays Derrick for the rage-controlled coward he is.
My heart breaks to know there are women who live—and die—in such circumstances, and I applaud Ms. Campbell for telling this story and bringing awareness to abuse by way of verbal bullying.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, One Woman Falling, Melanie Campbell, Whispers of Grace, JustRead Publicity
Broken, abused, scared Cassie goes through a lot to save both her and her daughter. It definitely wasn’t easy reading this book and I should say it was a lesson in self control. Understanding that the human nature is so fickle and selfish everyone looks for a way to manipulate situations to make themselves look good.
Cassie was a fighter. Although scared and timid at first especially because she wasn’t sure how to go about living on her own especially after being in bondage for so long, coupled with fighting for custody and parenting alone, she emerges, stronger, finds her faith and finds herself too.
Definitely not a comfortable read but a worthwhile one nonetheless.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via JustReads. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
This is the first book by Melanie Campbell that I have read and it’s a heart-felt and emotional women’s fiction that addresses some tough issues. The story is told through first-person perspective of Cassie as she faces verbal and emotional spousal abuse, the turmoils and toils of divorce and custody proceedings, the hardship of parenting alone, and the uncertainty of entering the work force. Yet, within these heart-wrenching circumstances, Cassie finds joy and peace through the metaphor and illustration of waterfalls and also returns to her faith. She begins her journey as a scared, timid, and confused woman but emerges as a confidant, strong, and faithful woman living with a purpose. Along the way, she makes good friends who stand by her side and support her. Cassie learns to forgive and let go of the past while looking forward with expectation and joy.
If you enjoy women’s fiction that speaks of redemption, you will enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from the publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Melanie Campbell, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.
There might be some content warnings for readers who have issues/struggles with certain subjects:
* Divorce
* Alcoholism
* DUI
* Child Custody
* Verbal Abuse
* Physical Abuse
* Domestic Violence
This is not an easy read despite it being a Contemporary Christian Fiction novel. It will be painful for the reader to read this, especially those who have gone through it.
The writer herself has gone through something similar which was painful and she at first didn’t want to write it.
I’m glad she did. And, I hope it inspires other women to stand up and take care of themselves, and remove themselves from an abusive situation.
With that said …
Obviously the subject this book is based on will be troubling and triggering. As I had read another similar book last year, this was much better than that one in terms of the realities. This was far less brutal than “Lulu’s Café” by T.I Lowe. But, neither one shies away from the realities of domestic violence.
Told in three parts: “The Rapids”, “The Fall”, and “The River”; Campbell brings an authentic approach with a vivid reality to the issues described. In this book though, the couple shares a four (4) year old daughter who doesn’t understand the dynamics of her parents’ marriage.
The realistic alienation of Cassie from family and friends places her in a lonely place. However, when her “Nannie” (grandmother) calls the police after over-hearing an argument between Cassie and Derrick, I felt hopeful. Yet, Derrick manipulates the situation, or tries to, to his advantage.
It proves to be the catalyst Cassie needs to stand on her own. Despite not being able to afford an attorney, Cassie does get some legal advice. And, she has the help of some co-workers to get her through, though she has doubts and valid concerns.
But, as Campbell eloquently writes in “One Woman Falling”, it is never easy to leave an abusive situation. The reader is thrown into the frightening reality of domestic violence. My heart alternately broke and yet I was furious at reading some of the story – the unfairness and at times, injustice of the situation.
One of the most heart-breaking points is how deeply Renee, Cassie and Derrick’s child, is affected by it. “One Woman Falling” highlights a systemic failure in how psychological trauma fails at being addressed in a custody battle. Despite what the child is being put through, and thus hurling at her mother – it isn’t considered “abuse”.
Renee’s “acting out”, particularly towards her mother, is a perfect example of parental manipulation. Derrick’s threats are even more infuriating. It isn’t something society enjoys talking about, let along reading about – but it is something that NEEDS to be talked about.
Despite how painful this is to read, Campbell’s honest approach draws the reader in and holds their attention. While the subject behind the story is raw and deeply disturbing, it is well-written, and definitely hard to put down. I found myself wanting to keep reading it simply to see if Cassie’s nightmare was going to end.
There were a few things I wanted more of a resolution to:
** Renee’s attitude with her mom. I wanted to know more about what Derrick was saying and doing to the child for her to “act out”
** A resolution with Cassie and Brian
** What ultimately was going to happen with Derrick and the DUI?
While this is a Christian Fiction book, there are no overwhelming references to God or scripture. That’s not to say there isn’t any – there are references, but they are done without feeling like the author is preaching to the reader.
Given the material, this is a clean read with the only objectionable word being wh@re.