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Falling
The New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House, Jemima J, and Summer Secrets presents a novel about the pleasure and meaning of finding a home—and family—where you least expect them...
When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either.
On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son.
Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.
But just as they start to imagine a life together as a family, fate intervenes in the most shocking of ways. For the first time, Emma has to stay and fight for what she loves, for the truth she has discovered about herself, or risk losing it all.
In a novel of changing seasons, shifting lives, and selfless love, a story unfolds—of one woman’s far-reaching journey to discover who she is truly meant to be…
When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either.
On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son.
Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.
But just as they start to imagine a life together as a family, fate intervenes in the most shocking of ways. For the first time, Emma has to stay and fight for what she loves, for the truth she has discovered about herself, or risk losing it all.
In a novel of changing seasons, shifting lives, and selfless love, a story unfolds—of one woman’s far-reaching journey to discover who she is truly meant to be…
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 14, 2016
925 people are currently reading
12156 people want to read
About the author
Jane Green
94 books8,719 followersJane Green's twenty first novel, Sister Stardust, is out April 5th 2022.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
She is the author of eighteen previous New York Times Bestselling novels, and known as one of the world's leading authors in women's fiction, with over ten million books in print, and translations in over 25 languages.
Previous novels have included The Beach House, Second Chance, Jemima J, and Tempting Fate.
She joined the ABC News team to write their first enhanced digital book— about the history of Royal marriages, then joined ABC News as a live correspondent covering Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton.
A former journalist in the UK, she has had her own radio show on BBC Radio London, and is a regular contributor on radio and TV, including as well as regularly appearing on television shows including Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart show, and The Today Show.
Together with writing books and blogs, she contributes to various publications, both online and print, including anthologies and novellas, and features for The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and Self. She has taught at writers conferences, and does regular keynote speaking, and has a weekly column in The Lady magazine, England’s longest running weekly magazine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, Green is bringing out her first cookbook: Good Taste , with Berkley in October 2016.
She is a storyteller for The Moth radio hour on NPR,
and lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband and their blended family. When she is not writing, cooking, gardening, filling her house with friends and herding chickens, she is usually thanking the Lord for caffeine-filled energy drinks.
Jane's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jane-Gr...
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,906 reviews
July 16, 2017
This one definitely takes the cake for the most disappointing book I’ve read this year. After my love for Summer Secrets, I was dying to get my hands on this one. Maybe it’s my fault and completely unfair to Jane Green that I went in expecting a similar experience but what happened? How did the same author write this shallow story?
There are so many things I could rant about - the boring mundane details (enough with the sisal rugs!), the plot points that were conveniently thrown in to keep the story moving along (Hello, Stacy.), the awkward relationships (Jesse and Emma *cringe*) or the ridiculous ending that felt like a last ditch effort to drag some emotion out of her readers. Instead, I’ll focus on the biggest thing that tanked this story for me - the complete lack of chemistry.
There was no chemistry, intensity or genuine emotion between these characters. None. How am I supposed to care when I don’t feel any type of emotional connection to the story? Every single character was flat, one-note and lacked any type of development. Everything felt so forced; especially Emma and Dominic.
I can look past a lot of things, but insta-love isn’t one of them. How could this book be titled Falling when we miss out on the most important part of any love story - the actual falling in love? Maybe she meant it more in the literal sense? I know that’s a bit of a low blow, considering the ending, but this is what I found myself pondering.
Suffice it to say, this one didn’t work for me. I think I would have enjoyed the story if the writing had been more polished and there was depth and development. I didn’t walk away from this book feeling like a seasoned author wrote it. At this point, I’m not saying I won’t ever pick up another Jane Green book, but it’s going to take me some time to get over this one.
There are so many things I could rant about - the boring mundane details (enough with the sisal rugs!), the plot points that were conveniently thrown in to keep the story moving along (Hello, Stacy.), the awkward relationships (Jesse and Emma *cringe*) or the ridiculous ending that felt like a last ditch effort to drag some emotion out of her readers. Instead, I’ll focus on the biggest thing that tanked this story for me - the complete lack of chemistry.
There was no chemistry, intensity or genuine emotion between these characters. None. How am I supposed to care when I don’t feel any type of emotional connection to the story? Every single character was flat, one-note and lacked any type of development. Everything felt so forced; especially Emma and Dominic.
I can look past a lot of things, but insta-love isn’t one of them. How could this book be titled Falling when we miss out on the most important part of any love story - the actual falling in love? Maybe she meant it more in the literal sense? I know that’s a bit of a low blow, considering the ending, but this is what I found myself pondering.
Suffice it to say, this one didn’t work for me. I think I would have enjoyed the story if the writing had been more polished and there was depth and development. I didn’t walk away from this book feeling like a seasoned author wrote it. At this point, I’m not saying I won’t ever pick up another Jane Green book, but it’s going to take me some time to get over this one.
July 10, 2016
What the hell just happened?
That’s what I keep saying to myself as I got towards the end of this book. The author brings us beautiful story of two people that were not expecting to find each other but yet were so perfect together. They both just knew they were the one.
The author gives us a beautifully written, compelling story that’s just right for a Sunday afternoon and late evening read. Wonderful scenes, beautiful descriptions, and people that you just want to love. They both have other issues in their life but they see seem to work perfectly together.
While expecting an amazing happily ever after, the last thing you’re expecting is a broken heart. Hence the what “the hell just happened” question. I was sucker punched and this book quickly became a tearjerker. The author did pull out a somewhat happy ending, but not a typical romance novel ending.
I am still upset about how the author decided to end this book but I have to ask myself, would I have missed it? I don’t think so. You have to decide for yourself.
That’s what I keep saying to myself as I got towards the end of this book. The author brings us beautiful story of two people that were not expecting to find each other but yet were so perfect together. They both just knew they were the one.
The author gives us a beautifully written, compelling story that’s just right for a Sunday afternoon and late evening read. Wonderful scenes, beautiful descriptions, and people that you just want to love. They both have other issues in their life but they see seem to work perfectly together.
While expecting an amazing happily ever after, the last thing you’re expecting is a broken heart. Hence the what “the hell just happened” question. I was sucker punched and this book quickly became a tearjerker. The author did pull out a somewhat happy ending, but not a typical romance novel ending.
I am still upset about how the author decided to end this book but I have to ask myself, would I have missed it? I don’t think so. You have to decide for yourself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2016
That one star should be a no star.
Thanks to NetGalley for laying this one in my lap for an honest review!
Wow. I started writing my review when I was roughly 80% finished (I should really stop doing this). I'd given it 3 stars, and my main critique was that it wreaked of insta-love and late-comer plotlines (LOL IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN). I also went on a bit of a rant about the heinous "love is kindness" tale that repeated throughout the book. I'm not kidding. Emma reads the quote in a magazine somewhere, then later comes across an old lady we never see or hear from again who tells her the same thing... and then we hear it from minor characters one more time, for good measure. Annoying, but not unforgivable.
BUT THEN, BUT THEEEN, I hit the 90% mark and in one of the most rushed and completely ridiculous endings I've experienced in a long ass time, this book hit a zero rating.
I don't even want to bother with the rest of the review. Save yourself. This one is garbage.
Thanks to NetGalley for laying this one in my lap for an honest review!
Wow. I started writing my review when I was roughly 80% finished (I should really stop doing this). I'd given it 3 stars, and my main critique was that it wreaked of insta-love and late-comer plotlines (LOL IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN). I also went on a bit of a rant about the heinous "love is kindness" tale that repeated throughout the book. I'm not kidding. Emma reads the quote in a magazine somewhere, then later comes across an old lady we never see or hear from again who tells her the same thing... and then we hear it from minor characters one more time, for good measure. Annoying, but not unforgivable.
BUT THEN, BUT THEEEN, I hit the 90% mark and in one of the most rushed and completely ridiculous endings I've experienced in a long ass time, this book hit a zero rating.
I don't even want to bother with the rest of the review. Save yourself. This one is garbage.
December 29, 2018
Falling by Jane Green is a warm romance novel. It is kind of a book that one can enjoy in cold winter near a fireplace, with warm coffee and blanket. This book has soft, calm and comforting vibes in it.
This story is about an English woman Emma Montague who is an ex-banker. She was in her twenties and left banking to live happy and comforting life in the town of Westport. In Westport, she tried to figure out what she wanted to do in life. She rented a cottage from a Dominic who is hunky, handsome handyman, a bartender by profession. He lived just next door. The romance started between them. Emma and Dominic fell for each other. Emma also acquired great bond with Dominic's son Jesse. And just when everything was going fine Jesse's mother and Dominic's ex showed up. Things became little haywire but they sorted things out with her and themselves. Once more things were going normal and a tragedy happened. To know more read the book.
I loved this book, this wasn't the kind of cheesy love story that I have accepted in past but it is a really mature and decent one, and I liked it. The writing is good, the characters are wonderfully portrayed. All in all kudos to the author for this mesmerizing book.
This story is about an English woman Emma Montague who is an ex-banker. She was in her twenties and left banking to live happy and comforting life in the town of Westport. In Westport, she tried to figure out what she wanted to do in life. She rented a cottage from a Dominic who is hunky, handsome handyman, a bartender by profession. He lived just next door. The romance started between them. Emma and Dominic fell for each other. Emma also acquired great bond with Dominic's son Jesse. And just when everything was going fine Jesse's mother and Dominic's ex showed up. Things became little haywire but they sorted things out with her and themselves. Once more things were going normal and a tragedy happened. To know more read the book.
I loved this book, this wasn't the kind of cheesy love story that I have accepted in past but it is a really mature and decent one, and I liked it. The writing is good, the characters are wonderfully portrayed. All in all kudos to the author for this mesmerizing book.
August 15, 2016
★★½
Falling is a standalone, women's fiction novel written by author Jane Green. This book has been promoted as many things: an "epic love story", a personal story based on Ms. Green's current relationship, and a study of relationships. The third is the most accurate in my opinion. Ms. Green is fully capable of delivering an epic love story but this is not it, and it appears the only element that is based on her personal relationship is how she met her current husband. In Ms. Green's defense, she may not have had any part in the promotional pieces that I was exposed to but that doesn't change my confusion and disappointment. As for the study of relationships? It's there but nowhere near the depth and complexity she has written in the past. Insert frowny face.
The themes I enjoyed in Falling were the family elements. Ms. Green shows family cycles of dysfunction and how they can effortlessly continue if one doesn't consciously put forth the effort to stop the wheel. I didn't view Ms. Green's title of Falling to be about falling in love, but rather falling into old but easy patterns of thoughts and actions. I certainly hope that's what the title refers to because although the characters' romance is one of the many relationships featured, I would hate to think Falling is only a love story. The characters' romantic relationship lacked the umph that would draw me in and I never found myself cheering them on because I never really believed they were head over heels. One of the themes Ms. Green repeated was that relationships require kindness. In that light, it's safe to say not all love stories are passionate. Some are relaxed and full of appreciation, and that's OK. But there was a grave amount of chemistry lacking overall which unfortunately impacted my enjoyment. All in all, Falling was just an OK read for me and I hate to say that about a piece written by an author I always look forward to reading. Check it out for yourself though. This may be the type of story that speaks to the souls of few and far between. Here's hoping :)
My favorite quote:
“I think we find our place when we make a decision to do what's right for us rather than keeping everyone else happy.”
8/13/16:
I honestly don't know what to say right now. This experience was nothing like I expected. Review and rating to come after I've processed my thoughts a bit more. Considering 2.5 stars at the moment.
Falling is a standalone, women's fiction novel written by author Jane Green. This book has been promoted as many things: an "epic love story", a personal story based on Ms. Green's current relationship, and a study of relationships. The third is the most accurate in my opinion. Ms. Green is fully capable of delivering an epic love story but this is not it, and it appears the only element that is based on her personal relationship is how she met her current husband. In Ms. Green's defense, she may not have had any part in the promotional pieces that I was exposed to but that doesn't change my confusion and disappointment. As for the study of relationships? It's there but nowhere near the depth and complexity she has written in the past. Insert frowny face.
The themes I enjoyed in Falling were the family elements. Ms. Green shows family cycles of dysfunction and how they can effortlessly continue if one doesn't consciously put forth the effort to stop the wheel. I didn't view Ms. Green's title of Falling to be about falling in love, but rather falling into old but easy patterns of thoughts and actions. I certainly hope that's what the title refers to because although the characters' romance is one of the many relationships featured, I would hate to think Falling is only a love story. The characters' romantic relationship lacked the umph that would draw me in and I never found myself cheering them on because I never really believed they were head over heels. One of the themes Ms. Green repeated was that relationships require kindness. In that light, it's safe to say not all love stories are passionate. Some are relaxed and full of appreciation, and that's OK. But there was a grave amount of chemistry lacking overall which unfortunately impacted my enjoyment. All in all, Falling was just an OK read for me and I hate to say that about a piece written by an author I always look forward to reading. Check it out for yourself though. This may be the type of story that speaks to the souls of few and far between. Here's hoping :)
My favorite quote:
“I think we find our place when we make a decision to do what's right for us rather than keeping everyone else happy.”
8/13/16:
I honestly don't know what to say right now. This experience was nothing like I expected. Review and rating to come after I've processed my thoughts a bit more. Considering 2.5 stars at the moment.
April 19, 2016
Every time Jane Green comes out with a new book, I think to myself, "Maybe this time it'll be like when I read Jemima J." Because I really loved that book...
Alas, Falling one did not quite reach that pedestal. I enjoyed this story. Really, I did. It kept me engaged, and I finished it in two days. However, I wanted there to be MORE somehow...more chemistry between the main characters (it seemed a little too "insta-love" for me), more drama (problems that DID arise were resolved too quickly and neatly), more SOMETHING. I did, however, love Dominic's son Jesse. He was very realistically portrayed as a little guy trying to understand and make sense of his conflicting emotions regarding Emma's new role in his life and how it affected his relationship with his father.
And the ending...I wasn't necessarily expecting the ending, but not because it was such an amazing twist. I think because it was SO unexpected that I was like, "What the heck? SERIOUSLY? THAT is how this book is going to end?" Honestly, it made me slightly mad.
In the end, I think Falling is a sweet, engaging, (slightly bland) story that is good for a rainy day.
Alas, Falling one did not quite reach that pedestal. I enjoyed this story. Really, I did. It kept me engaged, and I finished it in two days. However, I wanted there to be MORE somehow...more chemistry between the main characters (it seemed a little too "insta-love" for me), more drama (problems that DID arise were resolved too quickly and neatly), more SOMETHING. I did, however, love Dominic's son Jesse. He was very realistically portrayed as a little guy trying to understand and make sense of his conflicting emotions regarding Emma's new role in his life and how it affected his relationship with his father.
And the ending...I wasn't necessarily expecting the ending, but not because it was such an amazing twist. I think because it was SO unexpected that I was like, "What the heck? SERIOUSLY? THAT is how this book is going to end?" Honestly, it made me slightly mad.
In the end, I think Falling is a sweet, engaging, (slightly bland) story that is good for a rainy day.
November 27, 2016
I have just finished Jane Green’s latest book Falling, and I’m baffled and confused. Why? Well, I can’t actually tell you that because SPOILER ALERT. But suffice to say, a book that I was actually really, really enjoying, actually kind of lost me. And for those who say, “Surely the ending of a book can’t ruin a book for you,” have clearly never read a book before. Anything can ruin a book, and in this case, the ending made me want to hurl it against a wall with as much force as I could muster. I very much encourage you to go and read it and then come back and discuss it with me, please.
What I really liked about Falling, until that ending, was the fact that it is, quite simply, a love story. These days, authors don’t write just simple, easy-going, hard-to-believe-it’s-really-happening love stories. There’s always got to be tension or fights or an inconvenient ex who shows up at just the wrong time, and so I expected Falling to have none of those things, although sadly, it does get a check mark against the inconvenient ex, along with annoying, irritating parents, who really should keep their mouths shut. But, taking out all of the noise around them, Emma and Dominic were so cute. From their first meeting, there was just something special there and to just see it evolve and grow from there was pretty amazing. It was sweet, and lovely, and it just seemed like the most perfect romance in the history of romances (which was, perhaps, my first clue all probably wasn’t going to end well, but that pesky tag line had me pretty much gloating about the fact it was inevitably going to end well).
Emma and Dominic were a pleasure to get to know, although Jesse, Dominic’s son, kind of stole the book. He was amazing, he was so sweet (and I kinda thought his tantrums over Emma/Dominic were completely out of character) and again, like I said, it was all just so freaking easy. Clearly it was too easy, and Jane Green needed a way to shock her readers from their bubble of happiness, and so that ending. It’s the kind of thing you don’t forget in a hurry, so when Jane Green brings out her next book, I will very much pause before I even think of picking it up and reading it because with the greatest of respect to Jane, I actually feel cheated. I invested my time in the book, I loved the characters, the setting, Hobbes the kitten, and I’ve finished the book feeling like I’ve been slapped in the fact and had vodka slung onto my wounds. It’s genuinely amazing how just a few pages of a book can change your mind about the whole thing, but here it is. I went from loving this book, soaking it up, to feeling like I’d been cheated. Oh, Jane, why did you do it?
What I really liked about Falling, until that ending, was the fact that it is, quite simply, a love story. These days, authors don’t write just simple, easy-going, hard-to-believe-it’s-really-happening love stories. There’s always got to be tension or fights or an inconvenient ex who shows up at just the wrong time, and so I expected Falling to have none of those things, although sadly, it does get a check mark against the inconvenient ex, along with annoying, irritating parents, who really should keep their mouths shut. But, taking out all of the noise around them, Emma and Dominic were so cute. From their first meeting, there was just something special there and to just see it evolve and grow from there was pretty amazing. It was sweet, and lovely, and it just seemed like the most perfect romance in the history of romances (which was, perhaps, my first clue all probably wasn’t going to end well, but that pesky tag line had me pretty much gloating about the fact it was inevitably going to end well).
Emma and Dominic were a pleasure to get to know, although Jesse, Dominic’s son, kind of stole the book. He was amazing, he was so sweet (and I kinda thought his tantrums over Emma/Dominic were completely out of character) and again, like I said, it was all just so freaking easy. Clearly it was too easy, and Jane Green needed a way to shock her readers from their bubble of happiness, and so that ending. It’s the kind of thing you don’t forget in a hurry, so when Jane Green brings out her next book, I will very much pause before I even think of picking it up and reading it because with the greatest of respect to Jane, I actually feel cheated. I invested my time in the book, I loved the characters, the setting, Hobbes the kitten, and I’ve finished the book feeling like I’ve been slapped in the fact and had vodka slung onto my wounds. It’s genuinely amazing how just a few pages of a book can change your mind about the whole thing, but here it is. I went from loving this book, soaking it up, to feeling like I’d been cheated. Oh, Jane, why did you do it?
July 22, 2016
Wow - this one is full of emotion! I did feel parts were rushed, but I still enjoyed it. I even had to stop reading to make a sugar sandwich, as I never heard of this before and simply felt the need to try it! Overall, my heart was definitely in this book!
August 10, 2016
This is the book version of City of Angels, which upset me so much that I used to loudly talk about it in Blockbuster. I'm going to do the same here. Most of the book is about Emma and Dominic, an unlikely couple who fall in love. There's lots of annoying repetition as we're hit over the head with how much they love each other and how special their love is. Then tragedy hits and it feels like a Nicholas Sparks movie (after Nights in Rodanthe I vowed to never watch one again). The "ending" is abrupt. If I had read a hardcover version, the book would indeed be Falling as I threw it out a top floor window.
November 4, 2016
Gosh, I am surprised by some of the so so reviews for this book. I really liked it. I liked Emma and her decision to leave the rat race and find a more simple happiness in the suburbs. I really connected to the scene when Dominic tells her he loves her and suddenly the ex appears. Emma goes on a downward spiral where she questions herself, her relationship and the fact that she opened herself up to love. This is a story I have read before but I still enjoyed Jane Green's telling. I really liked her simple truths such as the importance of kindness in relationships. I liked this book and I enjoyed reading it.
April 30, 2016
Why I disliked this book: It is proving very difficult indeed to find a feelgood love story that is also decently written. Jane Green's writing here is flat and poor throughout. An unreasonable amount of interior design lingo made me sigh a lot. Above all, I was angry at the apparent lack of effort to build a proper structure for the plot, which could have been entertaining enough otherwise. But the expected tear-jerking twist at the very end leads to an off-handed ending that takes up only a few pages, and cannot be called a decent conclusion to the story. Not that I had high expectations, but the last pages particularly were a huge frustrating letdown.
April 18, 2016
Stop what you are reading and pick this up.
Jane Green had me from the first page. She can tell a story without the reader realizing that they're not IN the story with the characters.
Falling took me on a roller coaster - I kept expecting something to happen, and when I was ready to turn left, she took me on a complete U-turn. It's a story of love, loss and acceptance but it could happen to any one of us.
I've read almost all of Ms. Green's books, and this one is just.... different. It's a "grown up" story with some of her signature "I can't believe that just came out of someone's mouth" quickness, but this just made me feel so much more than I had expected. I hope you're as blown away as I was!
Jane Green had me from the first page. She can tell a story without the reader realizing that they're not IN the story with the characters.
Falling took me on a roller coaster - I kept expecting something to happen, and when I was ready to turn left, she took me on a complete U-turn. It's a story of love, loss and acceptance but it could happen to any one of us.
I've read almost all of Ms. Green's books, and this one is just.... different. It's a "grown up" story with some of her signature "I can't believe that just came out of someone's mouth" quickness, but this just made me feel so much more than I had expected. I hope you're as blown away as I was!
July 25, 2016
Jane Green returns following Summer Secrets (2015) with her latest, FALLING a story of two people from different walks of life, and an unexpected bond with a child.
A wide range of reviews for this one. Straightaway, getting right to my feelings about this book, versus an overview. I had not planned on writing a review-not a fan of giving bad reviews; however, many of my Goodreads’ friends have asked for my brutal honest opinion. Here it goes:
Falling fell for me. I have read ten Jane Green books. This was one of the most “boring books” and literally nothing about it made any sense. Totally flat, weak, and uninteresting. Shocked, thought, "Who wrote this book?" so different than the last three.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and could not wait until the ending. It never came together. From the storyline, plot, and the characters. The reading was so annoying and robotic, I kept shaking my head thinking, what is this? I continued listening thinking it would get better. Unfortunately, it did not.
The only part I enjoyed was the latter part, where the tragedy occurred and the character of the little boy, Jesse was front and center. I agree with several of the other reviewers--everything seemed robotic. I could not connect with any of the characters. Was never invested or hooked in any way.
Emma was the worst, and Dominic not much better. Their relationship was undeveloped, and awkward. Jesse, the son was the only one which added to the story. However, unfortunately, he could not save it in the end.
When reviewing the past books I have read by Green, my ratings have not been consistent, and range from 3-5 Stars. The first thing I noticed was the cover. Not an appealing high-end image. It did not draw me in any way. It looks cartoonish, and low end. I choose a book by the cover, and almost passed over it due to this factor; however, her last three books, I rated five stars (enjoyed them), and decided to give it a chance.
Also noticed this time around, the publisher was Berkley, not St. Martin’s Press. I could tell right away this was not a SMP cover. SMP is one of my favorite publishers. Possibly why the change (they would not sign off on this). Not sure if the new publisher, editor, or designer had any part in the book’s overall outcome; however, cannot recommend this one.
As another reviewer mentioned, I too may be outgrowing her books. I do not read a lot of women’s fiction or chick-lit anymore; too light and uninteresting for my taste, plus not a romance fan. I need substance, intrigue, and much more. When you read over 400-500 books a year, you are more selective about the books you really enjoy reading, due to time management. I do have some select authors, which I still read in this genre.
Your taste in books change over the years, the more you read. I prefer more literary, historical, domestic suspense, psychological, mysteries, thrillers, and well-written, thought-provoking books, preferring more intense, deeply complex page-turners.
Everyone has their favorite types of books. Unfortunately, Falling did not "fall" into any of these categories. Making this fit in a one–two star category, at best.
JDCMustReadBooks
A wide range of reviews for this one. Straightaway, getting right to my feelings about this book, versus an overview. I had not planned on writing a review-not a fan of giving bad reviews; however, many of my Goodreads’ friends have asked for my brutal honest opinion. Here it goes:
Falling fell for me. I have read ten Jane Green books. This was one of the most “boring books” and literally nothing about it made any sense. Totally flat, weak, and uninteresting. Shocked, thought, "Who wrote this book?" so different than the last three.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and could not wait until the ending. It never came together. From the storyline, plot, and the characters. The reading was so annoying and robotic, I kept shaking my head thinking, what is this? I continued listening thinking it would get better. Unfortunately, it did not.
The only part I enjoyed was the latter part, where the tragedy occurred and the character of the little boy, Jesse was front and center. I agree with several of the other reviewers--everything seemed robotic. I could not connect with any of the characters. Was never invested or hooked in any way.
Emma was the worst, and Dominic not much better. Their relationship was undeveloped, and awkward. Jesse, the son was the only one which added to the story. However, unfortunately, he could not save it in the end.
When reviewing the past books I have read by Green, my ratings have not been consistent, and range from 3-5 Stars. The first thing I noticed was the cover. Not an appealing high-end image. It did not draw me in any way. It looks cartoonish, and low end. I choose a book by the cover, and almost passed over it due to this factor; however, her last three books, I rated five stars (enjoyed them), and decided to give it a chance.
Also noticed this time around, the publisher was Berkley, not St. Martin’s Press. I could tell right away this was not a SMP cover. SMP is one of my favorite publishers. Possibly why the change (they would not sign off on this). Not sure if the new publisher, editor, or designer had any part in the book’s overall outcome; however, cannot recommend this one.
As another reviewer mentioned, I too may be outgrowing her books. I do not read a lot of women’s fiction or chick-lit anymore; too light and uninteresting for my taste, plus not a romance fan. I need substance, intrigue, and much more. When you read over 400-500 books a year, you are more selective about the books you really enjoy reading, due to time management. I do have some select authors, which I still read in this genre.
Your taste in books change over the years, the more you read. I prefer more literary, historical, domestic suspense, psychological, mysteries, thrillers, and well-written, thought-provoking books, preferring more intense, deeply complex page-turners.
Everyone has their favorite types of books. Unfortunately, Falling did not "fall" into any of these categories. Making this fit in a one–two star category, at best.
JDCMustReadBooks
did-not-finish
January 23, 2017I tried. I really tried. But this book is awful! I made it thru the looong boring monologue but when I came to almost the end and it looked like the most boring couple in fiction was about to come to a bad end? I finally gave up and just said, "nope." The continuity was terrible. The whereabouts of the kid changed from paragraph to paragraph. A six year old runs around with no supervision and a 'caring' father goes looking for him hours later. The only thing that kept me going with it as long as I did was because I was too busy to turn off the cd.
August 13, 2016
2.5 STARS
Once upon a time, long long ago (in 2001), I came across a book called Jemima J. At the time a new genre was all the rage - a little thing called Chick Lit. And I was gobbling it up. Specifically Brit Chick Lit. And when I saw Jemima J and read the synopsis I knew I would love it. And love it I did. It remains very dear and meaningful to me. And in the years that followed I read everything Jane Green wrote. But then a darkness fell over the land and things began to change...
Looking back over my GoodReads reviews of Jane Green's last four or five books there seems to be a common theme: I tend to start each review with "what happened to the Jane Green of old?" Because over the last several years her novels seem to have lost their charm and and their emotional pull. Instead they now all take place in Connecticut (not-so-coincidentally where Jane lives) and feature very similar female protagonists: women who once had high-powered careers but then find themselves living in the suburbs of Connecticut and trying to keep up with the high-maintenance ladies who lunch set. Or they find themselves divorced and starting over (still in Connecticut, of course) and trying to eschew the ladies who lunch for something more substantial. Book after book, it's all begun to feel a bit stale.
When Green's latest, Falling, was announced and touted as "pure old-school Jane Green, a return to her love story roots" I was firmly on board and ready to dismiss the last several disappointments as inconsequential blips. But, not so fast... because Falling was another disappointment. Big time.
Emma was a frustrating main character. Not only is the reader subjected to her every wishy-washy, contradictory thought but she could go from Point A to
Point Z in 5 seconds flat in any given situation.
She consistently made snap decisions and judgments. And, despite her apparent desire for a quiet life, she had quite the flair for being emotionally dramatic. As Emma entered into a relationship with Dominic, her landlord next door, there were many references to the differences in their backgrounds. Again and again the reader is reminded that Emma's oh-so-proper British upbringing was far different from Dominic's small-town blue collar childhood. So much was made of this fact that I began to wonder if this was really a contemporary novel or if they were actually in Victorian England where the classism would make sense.
To be fair, it wasn't all bad. In fact, with the exception of Emma's emotional histrionics and all the class talk, I was mostly enjoying the novel. Yes, it seemed to skim the surface rather than digging deep, and yes, there was an issue with telling instead of showing, but I couldn't help but be drawn into the day to day lives of Emma and Dominic and Dominic's son Jesse. I enjoyed the minutiae: the quiet evenings at home, the breakfasts they made together, the details about Emma's burgeoning design career. I found it interesting and it helped create this bubble around their relationship that made it all the more intense.
And then came that ending. At the 90% mark I looked at my husband and said, "I am SO mad at this book. I can't believe she [the author] is doing this." But she did it, and then wrapped everything up incredibly quickly, and all my semi-good feelings about the book went poof. I think it's safe to say this will be my last disappointment from Jane Green. Whatever magic was once there is long gone.
This review was originally published at GIRL PLUS BOOKS.
Once upon a time, long long ago (in 2001), I came across a book called Jemima J. At the time a new genre was all the rage - a little thing called Chick Lit. And I was gobbling it up. Specifically Brit Chick Lit. And when I saw Jemima J and read the synopsis I knew I would love it. And love it I did. It remains very dear and meaningful to me. And in the years that followed I read everything Jane Green wrote. But then a darkness fell over the land and things began to change...
Looking back over my GoodReads reviews of Jane Green's last four or five books there seems to be a common theme: I tend to start each review with "what happened to the Jane Green of old?" Because over the last several years her novels seem to have lost their charm and and their emotional pull. Instead they now all take place in Connecticut (not-so-coincidentally where Jane lives) and feature very similar female protagonists: women who once had high-powered careers but then find themselves living in the suburbs of Connecticut and trying to keep up with the high-maintenance ladies who lunch set. Or they find themselves divorced and starting over (still in Connecticut, of course) and trying to eschew the ladies who lunch for something more substantial. Book after book, it's all begun to feel a bit stale.
When Green's latest, Falling, was announced and touted as "pure old-school Jane Green, a return to her love story roots" I was firmly on board and ready to dismiss the last several disappointments as inconsequential blips. But, not so fast... because Falling was another disappointment. Big time.
Emma was a frustrating main character. Not only is the reader subjected to her every wishy-washy, contradictory thought but she could go from Point A to
Point Z in 5 seconds flat in any given situation.
"I don't mean to offend you, Emma. I hardly know you, but it seems to me that you have created a drama in your head that may have nothing to do with reality."
She consistently made snap decisions and judgments. And, despite her apparent desire for a quiet life, she had quite the flair for being emotionally dramatic. As Emma entered into a relationship with Dominic, her landlord next door, there were many references to the differences in their backgrounds. Again and again the reader is reminded that Emma's oh-so-proper British upbringing was far different from Dominic's small-town blue collar childhood. So much was made of this fact that I began to wonder if this was really a contemporary novel or if they were actually in Victorian England where the classism would make sense.
"Someone like you does not end up with someone like me. Even I see that."
To be fair, it wasn't all bad. In fact, with the exception of Emma's emotional histrionics and all the class talk, I was mostly enjoying the novel. Yes, it seemed to skim the surface rather than digging deep, and yes, there was an issue with telling instead of showing, but I couldn't help but be drawn into the day to day lives of Emma and Dominic and Dominic's son Jesse. I enjoyed the minutiae: the quiet evenings at home, the breakfasts they made together, the details about Emma's burgeoning design career. I found it interesting and it helped create this bubble around their relationship that made it all the more intense.
And then came that ending. At the 90% mark I looked at my husband and said, "I am SO mad at this book. I can't believe she [the author] is doing this." But she did it, and then wrapped everything up incredibly quickly, and all my semi-good feelings about the book went poof. I think it's safe to say this will be my last disappointment from Jane Green. Whatever magic was once there is long gone.
This review was originally published at GIRL PLUS BOOKS.
July 29, 2019
Jane Green is one of my favorite authors; has been for many years. So it pains me to say that I did not like Falling, especially because I pre-ordered a hardback and that wasn't cheap.
I don't want to put too much effort into this, because I honestly put too much effort into finishing the book. I've made a list of why I didn't like Falling:
—It was fairly boring. Look, I wasn't expecting a car chase through the streets of Manhattan or a plot to pull off a coup, but this had to be one of the quietest, boring tales of falling in love that I've ever read. Even when kinks were thrown into it, good old Emma just pedantically talked her way through.
—And that leads me to my second point. If I didn't know any better, I would swear Falling is a self-help book disguised as a novel. I love Jane Green, but it felt like she was sharing every good tip/lesson she's ever read. In fact, at one point Emma thinks to herself about an article she read on the benefits of kindness in a long term relationship. Awesome, right? But it read like a abridged recitation of a Facebook post Green shared on Facebook about the very same article. You want to share your knowledge with your readers? Fine by me. I loved that Facebook post. Just, weave it into your story in a better way, please.
—I *hated* when Emma and Dominic were especially awful in regards to her "effeminate" cousin George and his "manly" fiancé Henrietta. Honestly, I expect better out of any author this day and age. Don't use those who don't "fit in" to the "normal" expectations for gender as your punchline. Just. Don't.
—The big twist and ending. I can't believe that happened. I don't want to spoil it for potential readers, but if I don't at least post it under a spoiler tag I will never forgive myself. I've read plenty of books in which this same thing happens. I'm a big girl, I can take it. But for some reason, this time this just pissed me off. But, given me feelings on the entire book in general, I'm almost glad it happened because it just capped everything for me into an ashy heap of Meh. (btw, I'm pretty sure that last line made no sense)
I hate that I had to write this review. And if you're sitting there thinking "Why write that review at all? If you didn't like it, just stop reading and stop being so negative. The author wrote the book she needed to and that's her right." To which I would say "She did write the book she needed to. I couldn't do that and I applaud her. But I spent good time and money on this book. My brain would not rest until I purged it of my overwhelming disappointment."
Having said ALL that, I still look forward to reading Green's future books. I think I need to go comfort myself with my favorite JG book, Mr. Maybe.
I don't want to put too much effort into this, because I honestly put too much effort into finishing the book. I've made a list of why I didn't like Falling:
—It was fairly boring. Look, I wasn't expecting a car chase through the streets of Manhattan or a plot to pull off a coup, but this had to be one of the quietest, boring tales of falling in love that I've ever read. Even when kinks were thrown into it, good old Emma just pedantically talked her way through.
—And that leads me to my second point. If I didn't know any better, I would swear Falling is a self-help book disguised as a novel. I love Jane Green, but it felt like she was sharing every good tip/lesson she's ever read. In fact, at one point Emma thinks to herself about an article she read on the benefits of kindness in a long term relationship. Awesome, right? But it read like a abridged recitation of a Facebook post Green shared on Facebook about the very same article. You want to share your knowledge with your readers? Fine by me. I loved that Facebook post. Just, weave it into your story in a better way, please.
—I *hated* when Emma and Dominic were especially awful in regards to her "effeminate" cousin George and his "manly" fiancé Henrietta. Honestly, I expect better out of any author this day and age. Don't use those who don't "fit in" to the "normal" expectations for gender as your punchline. Just. Don't.
—The big twist and ending. I can't believe that happened. I don't want to spoil it for potential readers, but if I don't at least post it under a spoiler tag I will never forgive myself. I've read plenty of books in which this same thing happens. I'm a big girl, I can take it. But for some reason, this time this just pissed me off. But, given me feelings on the entire book in general, I'm almost glad it happened because it just capped everything for me into an ashy heap of Meh. (btw, I'm pretty sure that last line made no sense)
I hate that I had to write this review. And if you're sitting there thinking "Why write that review at all? If you didn't like it, just stop reading and stop being so negative. The author wrote the book she needed to and that's her right." To which I would say "She did write the book she needed to. I couldn't do that and I applaud her. But I spent good time and money on this book. My brain would not rest until I purged it of my overwhelming disappointment."
Having said ALL that, I still look forward to reading Green's future books. I think I need to go comfort myself with my favorite JG book, Mr. Maybe.
July 16, 2016
"The best things in life always finds us when we're not looking for them."
I think Jane Green just broke me. I haven't felt this way after reading a book in a long time.
This story is full of heartbreak and I couldn't stop sobbing. The end for me was bittersweet. I do believe Jane Green is a spectacular storyteller. Her characters always feel real to me, someone you could know or would be glad to meet. Emma and Dominic were not any different.
Falling features Emma Montague. A British woman who has decided to leave her exciting NYC Manhattan lifestyle for Westport, Connecticut. She wishes to pursue a career as an interior designer, something she has an affinity for. Emma decides to rent a place instead of buying it. To her shock, she finds her new landlord and handyman Dominic, attentive, honest and handsome.
Dominic Di Franco is a single parent. The mother of his six-year-old son Jesse left them years ago without any notice. He has not been in a serious relationship until he meets Emma. She comes from a different world than him but he knows she's the one he wants. Getting his little boy on board with him turns out to be difficult at times.
I was fully invested in their story but wasn't expecting the twist. I was not prepared for my heart to be broken in this way. I have no way of telling you how much it affected me. I had huge empathy for Emma and her situation.
As with Summer Secrets, I wished there were more chapters in the novel. At least, this time, I got an epilogue.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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August 20, 2016
Emma Montague is an Englishwoman living in the U.S. She left behind her parents as soon as she could: feeling trapped by her mother's snobbery and outgoing personality, so different from Emma's quiet and introverted self. But life in the high-powered banking world in New York City isn't exactly for Emma either. She finds everyone so false: women who only care about clothes and finding a man, too many nights at bars, and pressure to use dating apps. Her one long-term relationship winds up nowhere, and so Emma finds herself on the move again: this time to the beach town of Westport, CT. She takes a break from banking and finds herself renting a house in this seaside town. Emma quickly finds herself falling for landlord, Dominic, a bartender in Westport. A father to six-year-old Jesse, Dominic seems to be the opposite of Emma in every way. Emma isn't sure that the two could ever really be together, but she can't seem to stop her heart from falling for Dominic. Are they meant to be?
Ugh, this book. Some of it was enjoyable, and yet so much of it was just so damn frustrating. First of all, the entire thing seemed like it was based on just a mountain of stereotypes and tropes. Emma has built-in stereotypes and preconceived notions about Dominic (a bartender can't be anything like a banker, apparently, or share any of the same interests). Every woman in the banking world is a vapid idiot except Emma. All New Yorkers just want to get married and move to the suburbs. And so on and so on. It gets really old after a while.
Then, the whole different worlds thing: Emma versus Dom style. As a moving forward plot device, it just seemed incredibly forced. I understand that the "we're from two different worlds" idea still exists today, but really? It's that hard to overcome that a woman considers just dropping the only guy who has ever made her happy, because he seems beneath her? It would be different if the book put forth some real reasons that their class differences threatened their relationship, but it really doesn't. It's all half developed and mostly based on Emma's speculation.
That brings me to Emma. I wanted to like Emma. I could see a lot of Emma in myself - a quiet introvert who doesn't take well to people, who needs time to warm up. I understand that. But oh my gosh, she drove me crazy. So wishy washy! So indecisive! So unable to just follow her *own* thoughts and feelings. She drove me insane. It's very hard to fully enjoy a novel where you often want to wring the neck of the main character.
All of that, truly, I could have probably forgiven if Green hadn't taken the plot off the deep end near the end of the novel. I was so irritated and so upset: I went through all of the above for THIS? I won't spoil it, but let's just say I didn't sign up for a Nicholas Sparks novel. Any of the novel's redeeming qualities (a cute cat, a somewhat cute kid, Emma's dad) went out the window.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy this one. Too much of the plot devices irritated me, and then-BOOM-the actual plot drove me over the edge.
Ugh, this book. Some of it was enjoyable, and yet so much of it was just so damn frustrating. First of all, the entire thing seemed like it was based on just a mountain of stereotypes and tropes. Emma has built-in stereotypes and preconceived notions about Dominic (a bartender can't be anything like a banker, apparently, or share any of the same interests). Every woman in the banking world is a vapid idiot except Emma. All New Yorkers just want to get married and move to the suburbs. And so on and so on. It gets really old after a while.
Then, the whole different worlds thing: Emma versus Dom style. As a moving forward plot device, it just seemed incredibly forced. I understand that the "we're from two different worlds" idea still exists today, but really? It's that hard to overcome that a woman considers just dropping the only guy who has ever made her happy, because he seems beneath her? It would be different if the book put forth some real reasons that their class differences threatened their relationship, but it really doesn't. It's all half developed and mostly based on Emma's speculation.
That brings me to Emma. I wanted to like Emma. I could see a lot of Emma in myself - a quiet introvert who doesn't take well to people, who needs time to warm up. I understand that. But oh my gosh, she drove me crazy. So wishy washy! So indecisive! So unable to just follow her *own* thoughts and feelings. She drove me insane. It's very hard to fully enjoy a novel where you often want to wring the neck of the main character.
All of that, truly, I could have probably forgiven if Green hadn't taken the plot off the deep end near the end of the novel. I was so irritated and so upset: I went through all of the above for THIS? I won't spoil it, but let's just say I didn't sign up for a Nicholas Sparks novel. Any of the novel's redeeming qualities (a cute cat, a somewhat cute kid, Emma's dad) went out the window.
Overall, I just didn't enjoy this one. Too much of the plot devices irritated me, and then-BOOM-the actual plot drove me over the edge.
June 4, 2016
Jane Green has done it again! Amazing! Breathtakingly beautiful and earth shattering sad all rolled into one truly amazing read. You will need your Kleenex ready and waiting.
Emma Montague was brought up within the ffy uppercase of England. She decided then that
more to life than what she was experiencing and takes off to America. NYC is where it's at and she loves the hustle and bustle of being in the of the world of banking.
Then one day she changes her mind and decides to leave the craziness that is NYC, she was ready for a slower pace, quiet and somewhat enjoyable lifestyle. Something she simply wasn't getting at that moment. That's when she decides to pack up her belongings and move to Westport, CT.
She "retires" from banking and decides to make a go at her passion for Interior Design.
She knows very few people in Westport, her list of friends includes her new landlord Dominic and his adorable son Jesse.
Skip ahead a little and we come to the flirtations between Dominic and Emma, everyone can see the chemistry except her. He's nothing like any of the self-absorbed men she dated in her past from the city.
Can these two see past each others obvious difference and fall in love? Will they both end up with someone else? How will Jesse factor into this equation, after all it would be a package deal so to speak.
Grab a box of Kleenex, a glass of wine (or 3) and sit back and read the book of the summer! Truly an amazing read that will grab you in the beginning and you won't be able to put it down!
Emma Montague was brought up within the ffy uppercase of England. She decided then that
more to life than what she was experiencing and takes off to America. NYC is where it's at and she loves the hustle and bustle of being in the of the world of banking.
Then one day she changes her mind and decides to leave the craziness that is NYC, she was ready for a slower pace, quiet and somewhat enjoyable lifestyle. Something she simply wasn't getting at that moment. That's when she decides to pack up her belongings and move to Westport, CT.
She "retires" from banking and decides to make a go at her passion for Interior Design.
She knows very few people in Westport, her list of friends includes her new landlord Dominic and his adorable son Jesse.
Skip ahead a little and we come to the flirtations between Dominic and Emma, everyone can see the chemistry except her. He's nothing like any of the self-absorbed men she dated in her past from the city.
Can these two see past each others obvious difference and fall in love? Will they both end up with someone else? How will Jesse factor into this equation, after all it would be a package deal so to speak.
Grab a box of Kleenex, a glass of wine (or 3) and sit back and read the book of the summer! Truly an amazing read that will grab you in the beginning and you won't be able to put it down!
August 3, 2016
A quick listen, what I thought was a romance but kind of morphs into more of a "television for women" kind of story. Which is great if that's what you're looking for. I wanted something mindless to have in my ears while I worked on a tedious web project so it worked well for that. The characters at one point eat sugar sandwiches, and that's a pretty good metaphor.
Thanks to the publisher for providing early access to the audio.
Thanks to the publisher for providing early access to the audio.
July 26, 2016
I loved the books Jane Green wrote in the early 2000s, and this one really harked back to them. Half the fun is that she describes outfits and home decor in such detail that you can imagine everything so vividly. She uses her words to paint a glossy, beautiful, magazine world. In this way, she sometimes reminds me of a more modern-day Rosamunde Pilcher. I couldn't put this one down!
not-for-me
August 29, 2022I am a reader who only recently has given myself permission to not finish a book I am not enjoying (hello, there The Great Gatsby). This book has the dubious distinction of being one of those books. Why, you may ask? Well, let me explain:
Insta-love: hate it. It seems lazy. I want to BE THERE for the falling process, not just thrust into this random relationship. And the book is called FALLING, for the love of God. It seems obvious there would be some falling!
Lack of chemistry: I just didn't feel the chemistry between Emma and Dominic. And why should I? Emma repeated over and over and OVER (as did other characters) how she and Dominic were too different and he wasn't who she would have picked for herself. I do believe Jane Green REALLY oversold the point, because I was all like, "Then WHY are you together?!"
Characters I hate: I cannot stress enough how much I absolutely HATED Emma. She was so self important and judgemental ( not EVERYONE has a passport, Emma! Some of us have expired ones!) Full confession here: I am a single parent and I can be very defensive about that as a characterization. If you are going to have single parents in your novel, you'd best be doing it right by my self admittedly very high standards. Jane Green is lucky I got to page 176 (47% or 5:47) because I just about lost my ever-loving mind 20 pages earlier when Emma thinks, "They need a woman. The pair of them need someone like me." Oh, NO YOU DIDN'T, EMMA! You did not just bribe someone else's child to go to bed and then get all self-congratulatory about your "parenting" win!
Now, clearly I have some issues that a normal reader would not have with this book. My employer has a free counselling service that perhaps after reading this review and realizing how angry this book made me, I should look into using. That being said, I am SO GLAD I stopped reading when I did because chances are, if I had invested more time in this book and then got to that absolute craptastic ending, who knows what the depth of my rage would have been.
And, oh yeah, I HATED the audiobook. So, there's that, too.
This book gets one star for the mere fact it reminded me to renew my passport.
Insta-love: hate it. It seems lazy. I want to BE THERE for the falling process, not just thrust into this random relationship. And the book is called FALLING, for the love of God. It seems obvious there would be some falling!
Lack of chemistry: I just didn't feel the chemistry between Emma and Dominic. And why should I? Emma repeated over and over and OVER (as did other characters) how she and Dominic were too different and he wasn't who she would have picked for herself. I do believe Jane Green REALLY oversold the point, because I was all like, "Then WHY are you together?!"
Characters I hate: I cannot stress enough how much I absolutely HATED Emma. She was so self important and judgemental ( not EVERYONE has a passport, Emma! Some of us have expired ones!) Full confession here: I am a single parent and I can be very defensive about that as a characterization. If you are going to have single parents in your novel, you'd best be doing it right by my self admittedly very high standards. Jane Green is lucky I got to page 176 (47% or 5:47) because I just about lost my ever-loving mind 20 pages earlier when Emma thinks, "They need a woman. The pair of them need someone like me." Oh, NO YOU DIDN'T, EMMA! You did not just bribe someone else's child to go to bed and then get all self-congratulatory about your "parenting" win!
Now, clearly I have some issues that a normal reader would not have with this book. My employer has a free counselling service that perhaps after reading this review and realizing how angry this book made me, I should look into using. That being said, I am SO GLAD I stopped reading when I did because chances are, if I had invested more time in this book and then got to that absolute craptastic ending, who knows what the depth of my rage would have been.
And, oh yeah, I HATED the audiobook. So, there's that, too.
This book gets one star for the mere fact it reminded me to renew my passport.
July 27, 2016
Every time I read a Jane Green book I hope it is going to be in the style of her earlier work (Jemima J, Mr. Maybe). Those books were fun and had twists and turns that kept you engaged. At some point Ms. Green has moved into this sad and sappy style that is just so formulaic. Falling was another disappointment. I did like the decorating theme, I think I would have preferred to read a book about that.
The characters were flat. Green keeps telling us that there was this incredible chemistry between the main characters but I just didn't get it. In fact, I didn’t particularly care for either of them. Why was Emma so self-conscious and insecure - it was totally grating. Was Dominic really such a great dad? I mean he was pretty careless with Jesse at times. Many others have posted about the incredibly under-developed love story between Emma and Dominic, and how it was rushed and just didn’t make sense. I won’t go into that – I was 80% through the book and wondering if anything was going to happen. I thought for sure the twist was going to involve a kidnapping. I wasn’t ready for what did happen. And it seemed so unnecessary. The book is a love story – it says so on the title. I spent 80% of the book judging it based on the lame story between Emma and Dominic. But as I sit here thinking about it - Dominic was a minor character really. I think that the love story was between Emma and Jesse. I am still not sure how I feel about that.
The characters were flat. Green keeps telling us that there was this incredible chemistry between the main characters but I just didn't get it. In fact, I didn’t particularly care for either of them. Why was Emma so self-conscious and insecure - it was totally grating. Was Dominic really such a great dad? I mean he was pretty careless with Jesse at times. Many others have posted about the incredibly under-developed love story between Emma and Dominic, and how it was rushed and just didn’t make sense. I won’t go into that – I was 80% through the book and wondering if anything was going to happen. I thought for sure the twist was going to involve a kidnapping. I wasn’t ready for what did happen. And it seemed so unnecessary. The book is a love story – it says so on the title. I spent 80% of the book judging it based on the lame story between Emma and Dominic. But as I sit here thinking about it - Dominic was a minor character really. I think that the love story was between Emma and Jesse. I am still not sure how I feel about that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2016
This is my first book by Jane Green and it certainly won't be my last. I enjoyed the story and I definitely enjoyed the two main characters Emma and Dominic. It's a novel about searching for love and family and finding it where you least expect to.
Emma is British and when she got tired of trying to live her life to her parent's expectation, she moved to NYC. After a few years, she got tired of the life in NYC - the shallowness of the single people and life in general. So she quit her job and moved to Connecticut in the hope that she could find a life that would make her happy. The first people she met were her landlord Dominic and his 6 year old son Jesse. As their friendship deepens, she wonders if this is the life that she's been looking for all along.
This is a great book but I warn you that you will need to have your Kleenex close at hand. Now I'm going to go order some of Jane Green's older books.
Emma is British and when she got tired of trying to live her life to her parent's expectation, she moved to NYC. After a few years, she got tired of the life in NYC - the shallowness of the single people and life in general. So she quit her job and moved to Connecticut in the hope that she could find a life that would make her happy. The first people she met were her landlord Dominic and his 6 year old son Jesse. As their friendship deepens, she wonders if this is the life that she's been looking for all along.
This is a great book but I warn you that you will need to have your Kleenex close at hand. Now I'm going to go order some of Jane Green's older books.
August 16, 2016
Summer is that delicious time when I dip into the pile of contemporary novels I neglect for historical fiction the other seasons of the year. I have been a long-time fan of Jane Green, and I couldn’t wait to read FALLING: A LOVE STORY. This is her 18th novel, and it might be her best.
What I had hoped would be a romance was, and much more. FALLING is a story of faith: a woman takes a risk to create the life she always thought she wanted, and finds much more in the process. It is a family drama that is relatable on many levels, with characters real enough step off the page. You will grow to love these characters. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.
I finished the book at midnight last night, and lost sleep thinking about Emma. My greatest hope is that Green writes a sequel. I need MORE.
What I had hoped would be a romance was, and much more. FALLING is a story of faith: a woman takes a risk to create the life she always thought she wanted, and finds much more in the process. It is a family drama that is relatable on many levels, with characters real enough step off the page. You will grow to love these characters. Be sure to have a box of tissues handy.
I finished the book at midnight last night, and lost sleep thinking about Emma. My greatest hope is that Green writes a sequel. I need MORE.
April 25, 2016
I received an advanced copy as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. I really love Jane Green, but this was not my favorite. The story of the unlikely couple who fall in love just didn't work for me. It was not believable and I just didn't really feel the chemistry. The tragic event that occurs happens like 95% into the book and the resolution is in like one chapter almost as a post-script. I would have rather read more about the resolution to the tragic event than the chapters related to all of the characters proclaiming that the bartender and the investment banker were destined to be together.... Sorry Jane...
July 7, 2016
I have read several of Jane Green's books(though it's been a while) and pretty much knew what I was getting into when I requested this book. And yes, I got it. A great story with great characters. And yes, you will need tissues.
There were several times when I tried to tell the characters not to do certain things, but they just didn't listen. They just went ahead and did what they wanted to do. Ugh!
However, I found the book entertaining, enjoyable, fun and recommendable.
Thanks Berkley and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
There were several times when I tried to tell the characters not to do certain things, but they just didn't listen. They just went ahead and did what they wanted to do. Ugh!
However, I found the book entertaining, enjoyable, fun and recommendable.
Thanks Berkley and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2016
4.75/5
Classic Jane Green in the best way. This needs to be a movie STAT!
Classic Jane Green in the best way. This needs to be a movie STAT!
September 30, 2019
Just okay, a lot of questions about the legalities of the last bit, no real connection between the two main characters, slightly boring.
May 30, 2016
Jane Green has a knack for creating likeable characters. In Falling, I found this true for Dominic and Jesse, but Emma’s character, and the book as a whole, fell flat for me. I couldn’t connect with Emma, whose tendency to overreact quickly went from mildly endearing to annoyingly insecure. While I liked Dominic, his relationship with Emma struck me as rushed and not genuine, especially considering that his relationship status at the time of the dinner on the farm. At any given moment, they were either head over heels in love and perfectly matched, or Emma was having a meltdown: running away from memories described as becoming painful overnight after the Stacy sighting, taking a comment about their different upbringings to mean that their relationship was doomed, and panicking at the sight of Dominic talking to Gina while serving her at the Fat Hen. Their relationship did not feel authentic and instead felt forced, as though Green was desperate to convey that they were in love without even believing it herself. Frankly, I felt that I was more invested in Dominic as a person than Emma was; she came off as only interested in this great love story despite some half-hearted attempts on Green’s part to indicate otherwise. For example, Dominic’s affinity for his hometown was obvious. Yet even after he spoon-fed her the information that he may not always like how the town changed, it was and would always be his home, Emma later asked him if he had ever wanted to live anywhere else.
Because so much time was spent (wasted, really) trying to convince us that Dominic and Emma were the perfect couple, the ending was far too abrupt. Emma, who spent thirty four chapters overreacting over the simplest things, seemed suddenly disconnected when an occasion worthy of her worry arose. While I was expecting a twist, and this was not what I was expecting, it wasn’t done in that sort of “oh wow, never saw that coming!” sort of way. It felt more like Green had crafted an ending without any regard to the previous thirty-some-odd chapters.
The bright spot in this novel was Green’s portrayal of Jesse. She did an excellent job of making a believable, human character whose feelings and flaws were relatable and realistic. I was pleased that, given the circumstances, he was given the best possible ending. I appreciated that Green seemed to invest the time in crafting his character in the way that I have come to expect from her.
Because so much time was spent (wasted, really) trying to convince us that Dominic and Emma were the perfect couple, the ending was far too abrupt. Emma, who spent thirty four chapters overreacting over the simplest things, seemed suddenly disconnected when an occasion worthy of her worry arose. While I was expecting a twist, and this was not what I was expecting, it wasn’t done in that sort of “oh wow, never saw that coming!” sort of way. It felt more like Green had crafted an ending without any regard to the previous thirty-some-odd chapters.
The bright spot in this novel was Green’s portrayal of Jesse. She did an excellent job of making a believable, human character whose feelings and flaws were relatable and realistic. I was pleased that, given the circumstances, he was given the best possible ending. I appreciated that Green seemed to invest the time in crafting his character in the way that I have come to expect from her.
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