Freefall

by Robin Brande

Eliza Shepherd is known for the exciting adventure columns she writes with her husband, Jamey. But when Jamey dies while climbing, Eliza finds herself lost, confused, and trying to rebuild a life on her own.

When Jamey’s mother is widowed, too, Eliza makes a decision: to accompany her mother-in-law back to Jamey’s hometown and help her settle in. It will give Eliza the chance to work on the book she’s writing about Jamey, and take her away from a life that isn’t working for her anymore.

She doesn’t expect the pain she’ll find there—or the pleasure.

Eliza has already had one good man in her life, and isn’t looking for another. But love has a way of appearing, whether you’re ready for it or not.

(Originally published under the pen name Elizabeth Ruston.)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

338 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2012

About the author

Robin Brande is an award-winning author who writes in multiple genres, including fantasy, science fiction, young adult, romance, and nonfiction. Her young adult novels have been named Best Fiction for Young Adults by the American Library Association.

She is also a lawyer, martial artist, and wilderness medic.

Connect with Robin at:
www.robinbrande.com
www.facebook.com/robinbrande
www.twitter.com/robinbrande.

Reviews

[Lisa Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly wonderful book! I loved Eliza's dialogue in her head! It was so sad that she was lost inside it and wouldn't allow herself to begin again. Sadder that she hid it behind the caregiving of her mother-in-law (although that is a truly admirable trait, IMO).
Hard to find who you are when you've allowed another person (Jamey, the risktaker husband who leaves too early) to help validate your existence. Not because you've allowed them to walk all over you but because you loved them that much, let them encourage you to take risks that perhaps you would have never taken on your own and found the total completion of spending each moment in time with your "soulmate". At least, that's what I got from Eliza.
Then comes David, a man who comes from a truly dysfunctional family (who can't relate to that, right?) who just happens to BE REAL (in how he lives, in what he says, in all ways). I loved him! Ted, his brother, not so much. He was kind of a jerky guy but redeemed himself in the end. That whole triangle was a dark cloud that turned into a rainbow ending. Thanks Elizabeth for such a wonderful story. It made me want to read more of your books. ;) I would so recommend this to all my girls!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I haven't read from the romance genre in over a decade, I found myself really enjoying this book! What usually turns me away from this genre is that it seems like the women are so dependent on other people for happiness. I like that this main character struggles with that, but attempts to fight it. It was refreshing to see a female protagonist trying to move on, without losing the heat of the romance signature of the genre. Eliza has to work to take charge of her life, stand up for herself, conquer her fears--and she isn't perfect at it. But that's what makes her more realistic. Well done, Ms. Ruston!

[Ashley - Book Labyrinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this sweet romance between two awesome characters. First we have David who was a great love interest, because even though he was swoonworthy, he was also flawed. It made things more realistic that he wasn't perfect, because the rest of him was pretty amazing. I love that the sweet & nice guy got the girl! Our main character, Eliza, is also very interesting. She frustrated me at times, but I also really identified with her habit of living in her own head and being afraid of taking risks.

'Freefall' had its bittersweet moments, exploring the ramifications of Eliza being parted prematurely from her first love, Jamey. I appreciated Eliza's sweet relationship with her mother-in-law, Hildy, and how Hildy loved Eliza so much that she wanted her to move on and experience life and romance, even though it meant moving past her son.

Overall I just really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and romantic, but it was also realistic. There were misunderstandings and lack of communication (see: David's flaws), but it wasn't in a grand, wacky way that you expect from some romances -- it just felt like a real life romance.

If you're looking for a great realistic romance, then look no further than 'Freefall'. This book features fabulous characters, and a new romance that unfolds in a perfect and beautiful way.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

One of the most stunning books of the year!

This a beautiful story about loss and finding love again.
In the beginning I found myself living through Eliza eyes. I cried, I laughed and I wanted to wrap my arms around Eliza and hug her. There are dozens of romance novels. Books in which man meets woman, man woos woman (or, woman woos man) and man and woman live happily ever after are a dime a dozen. An epic romance is when you have believable characters,emotions, imaginable scenes,deep conflict, and resolution. Romance novels are affirmations of all that is meaningful in life, and Freefall has every element.

While in the end, this is a story about survival, resilience and redemption, it is also a story of relentless love.

My hat off to you Ms. Ruston job well done.

*I was a lucky winner and received this book as goodreads giveaway. Freefall

[Carly]

As a huge fan of Robin Brande's young adult novels, I wasn't sure what to expect from this adult romance novel (written under the nom de plume Elizabeth Ruston). I am delighted (though not surprised) to report that "Freefall" has the same endearing characters, believable dialogue, and meaningful themes that I've come to expect from this author. Eliza's struggle to move on and accept change in her life is relatable on many levels, while David's flaws give "Freefall" somewhat of a Pride and Prejudice-esque feel. I never read adult romance (this was my first foray into the genre), but "Freefall" had a message that was deeper and more sophisticated than I expected. While I don't anticipate that adult romance will be make up the bulk of my future reading, "Freefall" has convinced me that anything by Elizabeth Ruston is worth reading.

[Kristy McCaffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ruston creates a believable and likable character in Eliza and a dark, brooding hero in David, who suffers from a slight stutter. The grief of losing a loved one to an adventurous lifestyle is handled with sharp insight and understanding, while Eliza’s romance with David gives hope that life does go on. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Read my full review at:

http://www.womensadventuremagazine.co...

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid Romance reader, I'm always thrilled to find a new author in this genre. This is my first novel by Elizbeth Ruston but will definitely not be my last. The characters are rich in personality and the story is so enveloping. I couldn't put this book down and I'm sure that anybody else who picks it up and reads the first few pages will be as drawn into Eliza's Freefall as I was.

[Katharine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about grief and not being able to move on. The only complaint I might have is there is a lot of talking and rehashing by h and her mil. Finding love again made for a happy ending.

[lvreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freefall is such an entertaining romance/contemporary fiction book. The main character, Eliza, is so realistic and sympathetic. The story takes so many twists and turns that the reader is absolutely delighted to see how everything resolves at the end of the story. Ruston again writes a story that is compelling and full of strong characters and dialogue. This is an effortless read that reminds one of a contemporary Pride and Prejudice. It is definitely a great book for all true romantics and will make you want to read more and more books by Elizabeth Ruston. Great story that I would highly recommend!!!

[Amanda]

I really enjoyed this book! It was a beautiful love story told from a very realistic point of view. I had a feeling from the first appearance of David that he would come to life throughout the story. I love that he had a personality unlike most men characters and there was no apology for that. My favorite aspect of this book, though, came through the relationship between the main character and her mother-in-law...a true look at unconditional love and wanting the best for a person no matter the details of a situation. Great book!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! This read was inspiring and an easy one to get lost in. This is my first Elizabeth Ruston book, but not my LAST!! Read it today, you won't be sorry.

[Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't finish reading this book it is to adult for me. I like Robin Brande and will continue reading her books. Doggirl was a great book and Maria Hunter Welles narrated both books and she is great. I would buy an audible book just to listen to her read. I will go back to the parallelogram series and finish the last book. If you enjoy reading more adult books I think you will like reading this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book ..Was emotional at times but somewhat bland ..Wanted David to be less timid and actually rip his mother , brother and Livvie new ones for being such idiots . Eliza' s inner thoughts and columns were very well written and insightful.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!