"So...are you a Susan or a Lucy?" (13)
Title: Can't Help FallingAuthor: Kara Isaac
Publisher: Howard Books
Release Date: October 11, 2016
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.
Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with a curious wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in this inspiring and romantic story about second chances.
When I read that line in Can't Help Falling by Kara Isaac, I actually thought, "why would you ask that?" I mean, we Narnia fans know what happened to Susan, so if it was a pick-up line, it wouldn't really bode well, would it? But it did get the conversation going, didn't it?! Yep! And quite the conversation in this fabulously written book with nods to CS Lewis and Tolkien. O, how we adore the connection between our main characters, Emelia and Peter. Connecting in their shared love of Narnia and their goal to help the non-profit organization that means more to them than meets the eye, Emelia and Peter will strive to make it all happen. Along the way, maybe, just maybe God has something up His sleeve for these two. When the secret to what can pull them apart is out, how will fate tie them back?
I love books set in England and I'm a huge fan of the Chronicles of Narnia. However, prior to knowing what the book was about, it was the cover that caught my eye. Yep, that cover! It's romantic, it's surreal and it's sweet. Honestly, this cover can get an award! Then there's the title. Can't Help Falling. Simply said, and simply done. You just can't help but fall for this book, our characters, the story and yes, the author. The author, because it truly takes a Narnia and Tolkien fan to write this story. The dialogue between Emelia and Peter, flows with natural assurance of quotes from Narnia that interchange between their own natural magnetic charisma. That driving scene? Hilarious! And then we have the message. The message of God's world, His plan, and His humor (yep, the teacup!)
In all, a novel of romance, of faith and of true fandom. And we see all three elements towards the end when Peter tells Emelia who she is. Soulmate. I'd felt that when I read it. If you've never read Kara Isaac, I'm asking you to take a chance with Can't Help Falling and be prepare to fall in love with it, like I did.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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Kara Isaac is an award-winning writer who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where her career highlights include working in tourism as Private Secretary for the Prime Minister. She loves great books almost as much as she loves her husband and two Hobbit-sized children.
I am in the middle of this book and enjoying it immensely. Kara Isaac and her books are a delight!
ReplyDeleteO, I can't agree more! I need to go back and read her first book, Close to You!
DeleteI've got to finish this. I started in and a bit of life/business/writing got in the way! I am a big Narnia fan, and that Lucy/Susan line cracked me up. Yep, don't want to end up like Susan.
ReplyDeleteLol. O, you'll love the big scene later! And the ending...
DeleteExcellent review, Annie! I love this story!
ReplyDeleteThanks my friend!
DeleteAhh! Yay. This is on my to-be-read shelf, and it just got placed at the front of the line. Thanks so much for reviewing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by Nichole! It is GOOOOD. I need to get on with reading Close to You!
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