This book swept me into its world, almost as if I had stepped through a magical wardrobe much like the one Emelia is always looking for. She is a likeable girl from the start, her quirks and all. The past she’s running from continues to haunt her while she makes a new life for herself in Oxford. Enter Peter Carlisle and fireworks instantly go off between these two. Romance fans, you won’t be disappointed. 😉
I hate to confess that I’ve not read the Chronicles of Narnia, but even so, that did not keep me from enjoying their fascination with the books or appreciating the witty storytelling. This author’s voice shined throughout the book and I enjoyed the fresh storyline.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but I was soon immersed into the plot. My heart ached for Peter and the pain of losing his dream career. I loved how Emelia flipped his whole world upside down. Their relationship and charming banter throughout was fun to follow. This is a new-to-me author I encourage you all to read. 🙂
I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
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.
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Purchase Links
Kara has graciously offered to give away a copy of Can’t Help Falling to one lucky reader! Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends December 9, 2016. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kara Isaac lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Her debut romantic comedy, Close To You, is about a disillusioned academic-turned-tour-guide and an entrepreneur who knows nothing about Tolkien who fall in love on a Tolkien themed tour of New Zealand and just released from Howard Books. When she’s not working her day job as a public servant, chasing around a ninja preschooler and his feisty toddler sister, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. She loves to connect on her website, on Facebook at Kara Isaac – Writer and Twitter @KaraIsaac
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I don’t know if it “swept” me away but I just read Hope Under Mistletoe by Jessica R. Patch and it was very good. Believe it was the first book I’d read by her.
Hi Joan, I’ve heard of her, but I haven’t read anything of hers yet. I need to! 🙂
I was swept away by “It Happened at the Fair” by Deeanne Gist. 🙂
That one looks soooo good! I need to read that soon. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Julie!
I’ve been reading The Thorn Healer by Pepper Basham, and it’s been sweeping me right in. I’m loving it.
Awww, Winnie, I’m reading that one too right now. Love Pepper’s books!
The last story that swept me away was: The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz. I love historical fiction. It was a wonderful read!
Yes, such a good book! Love all of Laura’s books. Thanks for visiting, Alison.
I haven’t been swept away by a book in a while (though I haven’t had my time to read lately😢), so finding a good book(or winng one😍) would be great! And this sounds like a winner! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Aw, Mallory, we must get a book in your hands SOON! 🙂 Have a blessed day!
The first one that came to mind was “The Captive Heart”! SUCH A GREAT book! 🙂 Waves of Mercy, Finding Margo, and The Devoted also did some sweeping. 😉
I enjoyed that one too, Amada. 🙂 I need to look up those others you mentioned.
Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren was the last book that swept me away! That Ben is swoony!!!
I’ve seen that one, but haven’t read it yet. I’ve liked everything I’ve read of Susan May Warren’s, though. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Hi Savanna! Thanks for the review! I met Kara at this year’s ACFW conference and she is such a sweetie. Her books are on my wish list for Christmas!
Cheers,
Susan
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’d love to meet you both at ACFW someday. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
P.S. I live in Canada so if I might be off limits for the contest!
Right now I’m finally reading The Lord of the Rings. Geek! The first one, The Fellowship of the Ring, was so well-written that I was savoring really getting to know the characters. Now I’m on The Two Towers and loving it. It makes me want to read Kara Isaac’s first novel that involved the fandom of The Lord of the Rings! 🙂
Anyway, I loved Narnia growing up and I’m sure Can’t Help Falling captures its magic well. I’m sure I’ll read it soon!
Thanks for sharing, Rachel. I’ve not read the Lord of the Rings, but it’s on my list. 😉 I know you’d love this book. Good luck!
I’ve recently read Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette and my, that was a beautiful story! I’m heard so much about Kara Isaac, I will have to get my hands on her books ASAP! 😉
Hi Diana! That one is next on my list to read and review. 🙂
I absolutely loved Close to You, it’s definitely one of my favorite books!! I can’t wait to read this one!!
I so want to read that one, Brooke! 🙂
Long Way Gone by Charles Martin
I just read “Long Way Gone” too, and I have to agree, it was amazing!
Did you happen to receive that from The Fiction Guild? I just got that book from them as one of their reviewers. Looks good!
I did, yes. 🙂 It was a book that surprised me – one that stays in my mind a lot!
Listening Valley really affected me. I recommended it to a friend and she enjoyed it also.
Joan
I haven’t heard of that one, Joan. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks!
The Hesitant Heiress and An Elegant Facade and My Stubborn Heart.
Becky
Those are sooo good! I completely agree, Becky. 🙂
The best series I’ve read in a long time is the Tradd Street Series by Karen White. It really transported me to Charleston SC.
Sounds good, Dianne. That’s a new one to me as well. 😉
The Fighter and the Baroness by Sunniva Dee A Modern Fairy Tale! I loved it ♡ Thank you
Thanks for the recommendation, Linda. 😉
Restoring Christmas my Cynthia Ruchti is an excellent read!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Christmas stories! Thanks for sharing, Connie. 🙂
I am reading Anchor in the Storm( pun not intended). I love the character Lillian.
Now I will have to read Narnia.
Sonnetta_jones@hotmail.com
Hmmm, I’m curious now. I’ll have to read it. 🙂 I’m glad you stopped by, Sonnetta.
“The Cautious Maiden” by Dawn Crandall and “Forest Child” by Heather Day Gilbert were two of my latest reads that I absolutely adored. 🙂
Great, Raechel. I love Dawn’s books too. I’ve heard of Heather, but I’ve not yet read her books. I’ll have to add them to my list. 🙂
A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay was excellent!
Hi Heidi! I soooo want to read that one. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win. I was swept away in Jen Turano’s “A Most Peculiar Circumstance”
I’ve not heard of that one, Kim. I’ll have to look it up. 🙂
Black Tiger by Sara Baysinger … amazing dystopian novel. Thrilling and dangerous.
Also, Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot. So lovely. ^_^
I’m really looking forward to reading both of Kara Isaac’s novels!! Thanks for the opportunity to win Can’t Help Falling! 🙂
Hi Shantelle! That one’s a new one to me, but I have heard of Prelude for a Lord and it looks sooo good! Thanks for visiting!
I’ve read two novels this year that truly swept me away into their worlds. Forest Child by Heather Day Gilbert and The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof.
Awww, yes. Lady and the Liohneart. One of my absolute favorites! 🙂 Thanks for telling me about Forest Child, Alyssa.
What was the last story you read that swept you away?
I have read through a lot in the last 2 years and what usually sweeps me away are books in a series. So I’d say one of my favorite series that swept me away was the Yesterday series by Amanda Tru. Time travel, romance, suspense all in one series. So fun. But there are SO MANY new and exciting authors I’ve run across in the last several years, it’s hard to narrow it down 🙂
Hi Sara! Awww that series sounds good. I’m like you, I love books in a series. Gives me extra time to get attached to the characters. 😉
Thanks so much for having me to visit, Savanna. I’m so glad you enjoyed Can’t Help Falling!
I’m glad to have you here, Kara. Loved your book! Merry Christmas… and enjoy that new baby! 🙂
I’ve seen this cover on several blogs lately and I just love it. This is a new author for me. Thanks for sharing!