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Falling for Faith
Joey McGolden didn't believe in anything. She didn't believe in love, she didn't believe in other people, and she certainly didn't believe in God. Most of her life had been spent being rejected by those closest to her all because of her sexuality, so Joey was convinced she could never believe again. That was until a fateful mishap of her college track team led her right to Faith Hopkins.
Faith was everything Joey was not - positive, outgoing, and worst of all, a Christian. As the two grow closer, Joey begins to realize that maybe she could believe again.
But will she ever be able to fully let go of the past so she can accept both God and Faith into her heart or are the demons from her past too much to overcome?
Faith was everything Joey was not - positive, outgoing, and worst of all, a Christian. As the two grow closer, Joey begins to realize that maybe she could believe again.
But will she ever be able to fully let go of the past so she can accept both God and Faith into her heart or are the demons from her past too much to overcome?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2018
34 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Erica Lee
48 books925 followersErica Lee finished writing her first book, Dear Santa: I’m Gay, in December 2016. Erica currently lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, dog, chinchilla, and bunny. She spends her days working as an optometrist and her nights snuggled up on the couch with her furry family, binging on netflix or youtube.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 28, 2019
I read this a bit ago and realized I never moved it over or rated it. FYI cleaning out the "reading" section of Goodreads isn't always fun. Anyway, from what I remember, this book is a bit heavy on the religion side and i felt that was the main focus. Don't get me wrong, I have no real qualms with religion, I am Catholic myslef, but I do have some issues with those who tend to "run" religion. I would have enjoyed this more if the focus was more on the MC finding herself and when issues came up they weren't solved with a snap of the fingers. Regardless, it was quick easy read and free with kU.
May 7, 2019
An unique love story.
Joey wrestles with her demons and has big trust issues. She has trouble of moving past hurt and anger and she stopped needing people a long time ago. Her self esteem is very low and she is convinced that she is not good enough for anyone. Until a volunteering gig, that’s when things changed. This is a wonderful love story about two completely different personalities. They say opposites attract, don’t they? And these two women are no exception. A moving and heartwarming story of faith, hope, love, trust, forgiveness and family. Highly recommended.
Joey wrestles with her demons and has big trust issues. She has trouble of moving past hurt and anger and she stopped needing people a long time ago. Her self esteem is very low and she is convinced that she is not good enough for anyone. Until a volunteering gig, that’s when things changed. This is a wonderful love story about two completely different personalities. They say opposites attract, don’t they? And these two women are no exception. A moving and heartwarming story of faith, hope, love, trust, forgiveness and family. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2019
I cannot tell you how much I LOVE this book by Erica Lee. Not only does she embrace God in her story, but she makes it easy to understand. The characters are two of my favourite (ever). So much character development happens throughout the book. Erica is a super talented author and made this book an easy favourite.
May 24, 2019
This was a quick read. A little too sweet for my taste. It was a light read, partly because of the way real issues were simple and quickly resolved through religion and faith. That made the book a bit superficial. The main and supporting characters were nice and the book had a warm feeling. So 3 stars
July 30, 2021
Being a person of faith I loved this story. Joey has had to work very hard without the support of her family. She has closed herself off from most people including her teammates. While having to do community service she is paired with her complete opposite. Faith has a bright outlook on life and a loving family. Faith has a way about her that opens Joey up to talk more about herself. Joey's journey not only includes finding people she can love and trust, but that God loves her just as she is. I think this is a wonderful young love story as well as a spiritual awaking.
February 3, 2021
Wow, I'm not a Christian, per se, but this had me weeping like a good one. A really stunning book that from a base of horrendous effulence, Joey's life becomes meaningful, driven by Faith (see what Erica did there?) Glorious.
April 29, 2020
This was a touching short story.
November 15, 2020
I have by now, read a number of books by this author and I have come to realise that the style of each of her book is vastly different. What I mean is some authors have a preference for slow-burn, some go for love at first sight, some write in a breakup in the middle. After reading a couple of books, I can typically guess what would happen next. Ericia Lee's plots are a little hard to anticipate and I like that.
This book has very strong Christian undertones. I understand how religion can help people. I like people like Faith who make a role model of themselves as opposed to forcing the religion on others. I also like how the author mixes LGBT and church so well that its almost like a dream come true for many people in the world.
I am a Catholic myself. Despite this, I still felt slightly uncomfortable with the very Christian way of speaking throughout the book.
This book has very strong Christian undertones. I understand how religion can help people. I like people like Faith who make a role model of themselves as opposed to forcing the religion on others. I also like how the author mixes LGBT and church so well that its almost like a dream come true for many people in the world.
I am a Catholic myself. Despite this, I still felt slightly uncomfortable with the very Christian way of speaking throughout the book.
December 27, 2019
in short..not her best work.
January 30, 2024
>>DNF<<
I liked this at first.
Past tense, liked.
It was smooth sailing at first. The main character is obnoxiously angsty for her age, but we all love that, right? Tragic backstory, dwells on the past, is aloof and antisocial to the extreme. We love that don't we, Goodreads readers?
I don't like this book. It started with spelling and grammatical errors and later on bloomed into something I could not bring myself to finish. As someone fine with religion and how it helps people through life, it felt shoved down my throat. One of the main girlies, Joey, has deep seated trauma strongly associated with Christianity and religion. But as soon as she meets a sweet church-going girl, Faith, she's very well converted by first glance. I don't like this. It never addresses this trauma in a way that is really effective for Joey. She becomes out of character as time goes on.
I don't enjoy static characters either, but it would have been a more compelling story if Joey never changed.
As Joey changed, Faith stayed at a standstill. She never really falters and the cheeriness that is comparable to a carefree child in a college attending young adult becomes too much as the story goes on. Faith doesn't have much to see in Joey.
From the first few times they hand out meals, Joey goes out of character. Becoming empathetic and open to the old grouchy woman before her as if they were meant to be. I feel that would have been more interesting compared to how the story really went.
It could be nitpicky, but I don't enjoy the overall vibe of the story. It was sloppily written, reminding me more of a fanfiction than a novel. The characters aren't great, the plot isn't very compelling, and the religion overrides the LGBTQ+ representation. I would have rather gone to church myself than read this. And I'm all for having faith in a higher power.
In conclusion, this book isn't great. It's my opinion though. Comment on this your opinion too!
I liked this at first.
Past tense, liked.
It was smooth sailing at first. The main character is obnoxiously angsty for her age, but we all love that, right? Tragic backstory, dwells on the past, is aloof and antisocial to the extreme. We love that don't we, Goodreads readers?
I don't like this book. It started with spelling and grammatical errors and later on bloomed into something I could not bring myself to finish. As someone fine with religion and how it helps people through life, it felt shoved down my throat. One of the main girlies, Joey, has deep seated trauma strongly associated with Christianity and religion. But as soon as she meets a sweet church-going girl, Faith, she's very well converted by first glance. I don't like this. It never addresses this trauma in a way that is really effective for Joey. She becomes out of character as time goes on.
I don't enjoy static characters either, but it would have been a more compelling story if Joey never changed.
As Joey changed, Faith stayed at a standstill. She never really falters and the cheeriness that is comparable to a carefree child in a college attending young adult becomes too much as the story goes on. Faith doesn't have much to see in Joey.
From the first few times they hand out meals, Joey goes out of character. Becoming empathetic and open to the old grouchy woman before her as if they were meant to be. I feel that would have been more interesting compared to how the story really went.
It could be nitpicky, but I don't enjoy the overall vibe of the story. It was sloppily written, reminding me more of a fanfiction than a novel. The characters aren't great, the plot isn't very compelling, and the religion overrides the LGBTQ+ representation. I would have rather gone to church myself than read this. And I'm all for having faith in a higher power.
In conclusion, this book isn't great. It's my opinion though. Comment on this your opinion too!
November 15, 2019
The "Love is not sin" to Jesus f/f romance
Though not achieving all I feel it could've been, this still was an enjoyable read. But, as a book with so much potential, from a creative & captive storyline & interesting characters, it unfortunately ends up falling well short of excellence.
Lacking vulnerability in development, details & intimacy in the scenes, characters & situations leaves a feeling more like a summary or draft—not the final, finished work. Everything just happened in warp speed, with no emotions or substance to identify &/or connect with.
If the author ever reissued an updated version that developed & expounded on the characters & the plot lines further & deeper, it could potentially be a transformative & transcendent literary masterpiece.
Though not achieving all I feel it could've been, this still was an enjoyable read. But, as a book with so much potential, from a creative & captive storyline & interesting characters, it unfortunately ends up falling well short of excellence.
Lacking vulnerability in development, details & intimacy in the scenes, characters & situations leaves a feeling more like a summary or draft—not the final, finished work. Everything just happened in warp speed, with no emotions or substance to identify &/or connect with.
If the author ever reissued an updated version that developed & expounded on the characters & the plot lines further & deeper, it could potentially be a transformative & transcendent literary masterpiece.
May 23, 2019
Lovely sweet romance
What a lovely romance non hot sex just a beautifully written loved story that kept me enthralled for a couple of hours in the sun
What a lovely romance non hot sex just a beautifully written loved story that kept me enthralled for a couple of hours in the sun
September 25, 2023
So it’s really Faith that makes this book. And faith that sets it apart.
Faith the character is one who has wisdom beyond her years, which sometimes I need. It’s not that I can’t enjoy a book about two messy characters muddling their way through to happiness, but sometimes I need the pick-me-up of a character who makes everyone around them better. Sometimes I don’t want to read about someone who life has beaten down time after time, without someone else to help them out of it. When I think of this I think of Sam in Losing Sam, but Faith served that role here, and it was very much needed and appreciated.
What made the book unique for me was the religion-positive aspect. Faith’s actions and explanations and, well, faith actually lead Joey to reconsider her hard-earned atheism, and the whole thing is surprisingly organic. I hadn’t expected to read that, I guess, ever. By which I mean to say, not in any genre I’d actually read. So that makes the book that much more memorable, whether it’s an element I’d personally agree with or not. But what book I’ve read has even actually had me considering whether I’d agree with its take on religion or not?
Plus, I enjoy a sports angle and the track meets were a great little diversion.
On the down side, I found the late stage conflict a little contrived. Not that I couldn’t see it, just that weighing both sides, I wouldn’t have thought Joey would go straight for the jugular the way she did. Still, big picture, it didn’t last too long or take that much away from a very sweet and feel-good read.
Faith the character is one who has wisdom beyond her years, which sometimes I need. It’s not that I can’t enjoy a book about two messy characters muddling their way through to happiness, but sometimes I need the pick-me-up of a character who makes everyone around them better. Sometimes I don’t want to read about someone who life has beaten down time after time, without someone else to help them out of it. When I think of this I think of Sam in Losing Sam, but Faith served that role here, and it was very much needed and appreciated.
What made the book unique for me was the religion-positive aspect. Faith’s actions and explanations and, well, faith actually lead Joey to reconsider her hard-earned atheism, and the whole thing is surprisingly organic. I hadn’t expected to read that, I guess, ever. By which I mean to say, not in any genre I’d actually read. So that makes the book that much more memorable, whether it’s an element I’d personally agree with or not. But what book I’ve read has even actually had me considering whether I’d agree with its take on religion or not?
Plus, I enjoy a sports angle and the track meets were a great little diversion.
On the down side, I found the late stage conflict a little contrived. Not that I couldn’t see it, just that weighing both sides, I wouldn’t have thought Joey would go straight for the jugular the way she did. Still, big picture, it didn’t last too long or take that much away from a very sweet and feel-good read.
October 11, 2019
Joey is a college senior and a member of the track team who is trying to qualify as All American before she graduates. Rejected by her evangelical family for being gay, she has become a loner with a negative and wary view of other people. She's also a non-believer. When the track team members are assigned to perform volunteer work, Joey is paired with Faith, a young women her age, to volunteer for a local church delivering meals to home-bound elders.
The book's plot is focused on both the slowly developing relationship between Joey and Faith as well as the even slower developing relationship between Joey and Christianity.
It's brave to see religion represented positively in lesbian fiction and not merely as a source of pain and rejection. Since I am religious but not Christian, I appreciate this effort even though some of the Christian themes aren't part of my life. What the author is trying to convey here is that religion can be a positive force for LGBT people since not all religions or churches are anti-gay.
For readers who include faith in their lives or are thinking about it, this is novella-length book is a good read. I didn't find it highly engaging, but it's a solid 4.
The book's plot is focused on both the slowly developing relationship between Joey and Faith as well as the even slower developing relationship between Joey and Christianity.
It's brave to see religion represented positively in lesbian fiction and not merely as a source of pain and rejection. Since I am religious but not Christian, I appreciate this effort even though some of the Christian themes aren't part of my life. What the author is trying to convey here is that religion can be a positive force for LGBT people since not all religions or churches are anti-gay.
For readers who include faith in their lives or are thinking about it, this is novella-length book is a good read. I didn't find it highly engaging, but it's a solid 4.
July 9, 2021
Erica Lees stories continue to surprise me. First I love the writing world that she has created where several books have centered around the same college town. This allows for wonderful appearances of characters in other stories. Second, I was not expecting a book about a main character finding her way to God/religion and getting healing from past hurts from it. And third, this is a totally clean romance as one of the main characters has chosen to save herself for marriage.
Joey McGolden has been rejected by those that should have loved her and only relies on herself. In spite of that she is an honor student and scholarship runner on her college track team. She meets Faith while doing some meals on wheels type service for a local church. Faith Hopkins is pretty, kind and very Christian. She doesn't push her believes but shares them with Joey when asked. Joey was raised going to church turned from it when her parents rejected her sexuality. The story focuses on her journey to believe.
I liked the story and Faith is a standout of acceptance, explaining her beliefs and not pushing. I thought the angst moment a little contrived but I can live with it. The church is very inclusive and no specific denomination is mentioned. This is 119 page novella.
Joey McGolden has been rejected by those that should have loved her and only relies on herself. In spite of that she is an honor student and scholarship runner on her college track team. She meets Faith while doing some meals on wheels type service for a local church. Faith Hopkins is pretty, kind and very Christian. She doesn't push her believes but shares them with Joey when asked. Joey was raised going to church turned from it when her parents rejected her sexuality. The story focuses on her journey to believe.
I liked the story and Faith is a standout of acceptance, explaining her beliefs and not pushing. I thought the angst moment a little contrived but I can live with it. The church is very inclusive and no specific denomination is mentioned. This is 119 page novella.
February 7, 2020
Good story, until. . . .
This book was good until chapter 23. The fight seemed contrived, almost as if Ms. Lee tacked it on to meet the genre formula of "girl loses girl, girl gets girl back." It felt forced and rushed.
Also there seemed to be a lot of formatting issues, though this could've been due to my tablet. (I use the Kindle app on a Samsung tablet). There were lots of indent issues and such. Some paragraphs appeared to be out of place.
The book could use an editorial pass or two since the stoner friend Paul was referred to as Todd in one sentence then Paul in the very next sentence.
Still. It wasn't all bad. It is a compelling story. Just rough around the edges.
This book was good until chapter 23. The fight seemed contrived, almost as if Ms. Lee tacked it on to meet the genre formula of "girl loses girl, girl gets girl back." It felt forced and rushed.
Also there seemed to be a lot of formatting issues, though this could've been due to my tablet. (I use the Kindle app on a Samsung tablet). There were lots of indent issues and such. Some paragraphs appeared to be out of place.
The book could use an editorial pass or two since the stoner friend Paul was referred to as Todd in one sentence then Paul in the very next sentence.
Still. It wasn't all bad. It is a compelling story. Just rough around the edges.
June 18, 2023
A Wonderful Learning Experience!
This book was written in 2018 and sadly I just read it now. Even though I am a huge Erica Lee fan and I did start with her first “Dear Santa, I’m Gay” but it seems I missed a couple of books in between. This book was so good. Why? Because even though this was written five years ago and I am 63 years old, it still taught me a lesson on how I view my relationship with God. When you have a sweet, loving and encouraging love story that can teach an old dog like me something new then you ARE a great writer. I would not have found this if I didn’t see it on Amazon searching for books I might be interested in. There is just something about not only Erica’s writing style but her personality and her dedication to family. It is very inspiring.
This book was written in 2018 and sadly I just read it now. Even though I am a huge Erica Lee fan and I did start with her first “Dear Santa, I’m Gay” but it seems I missed a couple of books in between. This book was so good. Why? Because even though this was written five years ago and I am 63 years old, it still taught me a lesson on how I view my relationship with God. When you have a sweet, loving and encouraging love story that can teach an old dog like me something new then you ARE a great writer. I would not have found this if I didn’t see it on Amazon searching for books I might be interested in. There is just something about not only Erica’s writing style but her personality and her dedication to family. It is very inspiring.
June 1, 2022
Beautiful, inspirational story!
This is my first book from this author and I have to admit I was captivated by the writing and the content. I'm a senior citizen who thought of a possible grandchild while reading this. I cannot believe how much the intolerance of Joey's family moved me. My heart just broke for her until she met Faith with her unconditional acceptance of all that was good in Joey and the loving support of Faith's faith-filled family. This was not only a very moving story, but a true journey of life. Well done, Ms. Lee. I truly look forward to reading more from this author!
This is my first book from this author and I have to admit I was captivated by the writing and the content. I'm a senior citizen who thought of a possible grandchild while reading this. I cannot believe how much the intolerance of Joey's family moved me. My heart just broke for her until she met Faith with her unconditional acceptance of all that was good in Joey and the loving support of Faith's faith-filled family. This was not only a very moving story, but a true journey of life. Well done, Ms. Lee. I truly look forward to reading more from this author!
June 25, 2020
God is Amazing
I loved how Faith and Joey got together. Yes all relationships have up’s and down’s but what most important thing is that you work through your issues. To keep you’re relationship strong. But also with god anything is possible and worth it. I recommend this book to new born again Christian’s because if you don’t understand you will in this book. Erica Lee you’re an amazing Author.
I loved how Faith and Joey got together. Yes all relationships have up’s and down’s but what most important thing is that you work through your issues. To keep you’re relationship strong. But also with god anything is possible and worth it. I recommend this book to new born again Christian’s because if you don’t understand you will in this book. Erica Lee you’re an amazing Author.
March 17, 2020
Sweet Romance
Faith and Joey are two college students who meet through a church volunteer program. I normally don't read a book with a religious theme along with the romance. I am glad I finished this book.
Faith and Joey are two college students who meet through a church volunteer program. I normally don't read a book with a religious theme along with the romance. I am glad I finished this book.
February 20, 2019
Truly Phenomenal Story
So I discovered Erica Lee last year with a book called Plus One. When I find an author I really like I will usually read everything they have published. When this book came out I avoided it like the plague because having dealt with Christian Fundamentalism as a teenager, the themes hit a little too close to home. I finally broke down and read it yesterday. This book was exceptional. I won’t lie, some parts were hard to read because of my own personal experiences, but it was completely worth it.
So I discovered Erica Lee last year with a book called Plus One. When I find an author I really like I will usually read everything they have published. When this book came out I avoided it like the plague because having dealt with Christian Fundamentalism as a teenager, the themes hit a little too close to home. I finally broke down and read it yesterday. This book was exceptional. I won’t lie, some parts were hard to read because of my own personal experiences, but it was completely worth it.
August 19, 2019
Good book
I never read a book about religion and sexuality. It was very eye opening and touching. I enjoyed the main characters and their open communication. It is so important.
I never read a book about religion and sexuality. It was very eye opening and touching. I enjoyed the main characters and their open communication. It is so important.
December 16, 2019
Sweet
This is a sweet story for those struggling with their sexual orientation and faith. Sweet romance with a HEA. At times perhaps too sweet,but don’t we all love a romance?
This is a sweet story for those struggling with their sexual orientation and faith. Sweet romance with a HEA. At times perhaps too sweet,but don’t we all love a romance?
August 7, 2020
this was cute short and sweet highly rec to read this:)
August 14, 2020
Very adorable story about finding oneself, and in ones beliefs. Then in turn finding the girl of your dreams. I enjoyed this read very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
Faith
This story put me back to believing in God more! God accepts everyone even we don't accept our own self! Thank you for this inspirational story! 👍👍👍
This story put me back to believing in God more! God accepts everyone even we don't accept our own self! Thank you for this inspirational story! 👍👍👍
November 11, 2022
nice story
Slightly too religious for me but inspiring for people of faith. I do like the commitment to fulfilling dreams & pursuing goals & dreams.
Slightly too religious for me but inspiring for people of faith. I do like the commitment to fulfilling dreams & pursuing goals & dreams.
August 2, 2021
Good read
I love all of Erica’s books. This one was just as cute as the others. Can’t wait to read more :)
I love all of Erica’s books. This one was just as cute as the others. Can’t wait to read more :)
March 12, 2021
I wrote a couple months ago that I wanted to try to write reviews for a bunch of books that I initially just rated when I made this account, and I'm going to try to get back to that starting here. We'll see if I keep it up.
Falling for Faith is one of Erica Lee's early works. It's not terribly long, or the most challenging, it has all the perfect elements to make it a book for me.
I've also written in some reviews that while I'm not particularly religious anymore, I had a deep religious upbringing, and still hold a lot of feelings about it- and I do feel drawn to religious queer fiction books whenever I get a chance to grab one. So when I found out about this book, naturally I jumped at it.
And it's a nice read! You have a lot of elements of religious trauma (I think handled pretty well), a love story, coming back to religion, and some fun sports drama to add on.
I know how religion is handled in this book definitely isn't for everyone. This book is definitely a little preachy at times. And in the queer community, it's completely understandable and often the best thing to stay away from that. But for me specifically, this story makes me feel like a puddle of happy goo.
But where I've really come to appreciate this book is how good it makes me feel inside. With the combination of the shorter length and the religious content that hits my soul, It's kinda become the go-to book when I'm feeling sick. (Side note, I got my vaccine yesterday and had a pretty rough reaction- reminding me to write about about why I like this book)
Objectively, I don't think it's Erica Lee's best book. In a pinch I'd probably recomment The Truth, Anyone But Her, or her most recent book The One to Hold Your Hand which I think has grown on me since I wrote my initial review. But even though it might not be her best, it has all the elements to be a perfect book for me whenever I need it.
Falling for Faith is one of Erica Lee's early works. It's not terribly long, or the most challenging, it has all the perfect elements to make it a book for me.
I've also written in some reviews that while I'm not particularly religious anymore, I had a deep religious upbringing, and still hold a lot of feelings about it- and I do feel drawn to religious queer fiction books whenever I get a chance to grab one. So when I found out about this book, naturally I jumped at it.
And it's a nice read! You have a lot of elements of religious trauma (I think handled pretty well), a love story, coming back to religion, and some fun sports drama to add on.
I know how religion is handled in this book definitely isn't for everyone. This book is definitely a little preachy at times. And in the queer community, it's completely understandable and often the best thing to stay away from that. But for me specifically, this story makes me feel like a puddle of happy goo.
But where I've really come to appreciate this book is how good it makes me feel inside. With the combination of the shorter length and the religious content that hits my soul, It's kinda become the go-to book when I'm feeling sick. (Side note, I got my vaccine yesterday and had a pretty rough reaction- reminding me to write about about why I like this book)
Objectively, I don't think it's Erica Lee's best book. In a pinch I'd probably recomment The Truth, Anyone But Her, or her most recent book The One to Hold Your Hand which I think has grown on me since I wrote my initial review. But even though it might not be her best, it has all the elements to be a perfect book for me whenever I need it.
May 21, 2023
One of my favorite books by this author! Reminds me of how I once felt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews