Feels Like Falling

Written by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Amanda Ronconi

From “the next major voice in Southern fiction” (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author) and the bestselling author of the Peachtree Bluff series comes the instant USA TODAY bestseller that explores just how much our past choices define our happiness.

It’s summertime on the North Carolina coast and the livin’ is easy.

Unless, that is, you’ve just lost your mother to cancer, your sister to her extremist husband, and your husband to his executive assistant. Meet Gray Howard. Right when Gray could use a serious infusion of good karma in her life, she inadvertently gets a stranger, Diana Harrington, fired from her job at the local pharmacy.

Diana Harrington’s summer isn’t off to the greatest start either: Hours before losing her job, she broke up with her boyfriend and moved out of their shared house with only a worn-out Impala for a bed. Lucky for her, Gray has an empty guest house and a very guilty conscience.

With Gray’s kindness, Diana’s tide begins to turn. But when her first love returns, every secret from her past seems to resurface all at once. And, as Gray begins to blaze a new trail, she discovers, with Diana’s help, that what she envisioned as her perfect life may not be what she wants at all.

In her warmest, wisest novel yet, Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a discerning portrait of modern womanhood through two vastly different lenses. Feels Like Falling is a beach bag essential for longtime Harvey fans and for a new generation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Apr 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781797104058

Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including The Wedding Veil, Under the Southern Sky, and The Peachtree Bluff series, which is in development for television with NBC. A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications, including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA TODAY, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her books have received numerous accolades, including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parade’s Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weekly’s Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the cocreator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom, Beth Woodson, on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel.

Reviews for Feels Like Falling

[Rósa Gudny · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I did like the first third then it started to drag and I was gritting my teeth to finish it. This book would have benefited from a clearer focus and a better editor. There was plenty that should have been cut. Pros: lot of interesting women. Strong friendships. Colorful side characters. Diana’s Tshirts.
Cons: melodramatic, some toxic gender ideas, ridiculous matchmaking (I didn’t buy any of the Frank or the baby storyline). Andrew deserved better, what the heck with the age gap being ok if the guy is older (Pryce) but not younger? Fells like falling just got boring frankly.

[Jennifer Adams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful read from beginning to end! I am so looking forward to each novel I read from this author.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Natalie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love everything by this author. Warm fuzzy feel good books

[Gaylen Matlock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The characters! Diana and Gray were absolutely wonderful. We should all have friends like this.

[Reina Canute · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love that it was a light summer read, just what I needed.

[Karen Horde · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great character development. I was absolutely hooked on this one!

[Valerie Coleman Morris · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Diana character was really exceptional! The hub to the story.

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Kristy Woodson Harvey is a new favorite author for me in what I think of as the Southern chick lit genre. I enjoyed this, her latest book, quite a bit. It's the story of two women, Gray and Diana, who meet when they're both reeling from a series of life's blows. Their circumstances are quite different though, and Gray is in a position to help Diana with her immediate needs (like a job and a place to stay) and feels compelled to help her since she thinks she's the reason Diana lost her job. Gray is more of an emotional mess and not surprisingly, in the end Diana helps Gray as well. In between there are reunions with a lost loves, a new love, and an emotional crisis or two. But there's also humor and heart. And in some ways it does feel a bit apropos for 2020 - the year of "we're all in it together". I did listen to parts of this as an audiobook as well as reading it, and the narrations were excellent.
My thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

[Alisha Lopez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. It was well told and i love how two strangers become the best of friends.

[Qiana Hayward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a great summer read. I liked how the characters were mature women 30s-40. It’s a very sweet fantastic romance

[grgenius_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Boy, did I enjoy my time on the North Carolina coast!
The dual story line between Gray and Diana keeps you captivated with every flick of the page. You can't help but fall in love with them both, cringe at their missteps, cheer at their successes, and be humbled by the hardships they've each faced. They are not the same, and yet they share the same experience...the HUMAN experience. The kindness they show each other, the friendship that grows, the hard times they tackle together, and the dreams they can't believe may turn into realities, endear them to you even more.

I loved Gray for her tenacity in business, yet innocence in love...OMG...Andrew...I never thought I'd find their connection appealing with the younger man, slightly older woman couple, but he was definitely a keeper! I loved Diana for her present self, grown from a past that was life changing to say the very least. I loved how once she made up her mind, she stuck to whatever path she decided, but wasn't so hardheaded that she wouldn't listen to friend founded wisdom when necessary. In the end, they were both just what the other needed at this massive junction in their lives.

A definite must read this summer to escape whatever "present" you might be inevitably in!


**ebook received for review; opinions are my own

[dawnlovesbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

beachy story about two different women who become friends and help each other through tough times. focuses on the importance of friendship and family and of course there is a little romance.

[shazjhb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet book. No tension, no drama.

[leslico · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely beautiful, this is one of those books that heals your soul.

[mchwest · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again Kristy Woodson Harvey wrote a book that made me sit down and finish it way too quickly. I loved the drama the family and friends had going on and the set , a country club, like one I grew up knowing. Great summer read and I will wait for anything else written by her!

[twink_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The weather's not cooperating with my desire to sit in the sun and read summer fiction. But closing my eyes and listening to a book in a sunny window is the next best thing.My latest beach bag listen is Kristy Woodson Harvey's new book - Feels Like Falling."It’s summertime on the North Carolina coast and the livin’ is easy." But not for everyone. Gray Howard's life is in turmoil - her mother has passed, her husband has left her for his secretary and she doesn't know what to do next. Either does Diana Harrington. She's broken up with her latest boyfriend and he's spent her nest egg. With nowhere else to go, she's living in her car. Until.....Gray and Diana's lives cross. And things might just be looking up...Oh, all the right elements are there for a great beach bag read! Interesting, well drawn characters that you want to know more about. Feels Like Falling is told in alternating chapters from Gray and Diana. Now, I must admit, I was more drawn to Diana. I just really like her down to earth outlook. Gray surprised me though - she ended up being more thoughtful and kind than I first thought she would be. I quite enjoyed the interplay between the two as their relationship turns into friendship.And of course there must be obstacles to overcome. And there are! Setting is important too and Harvey hits all the right notes here as well. (Wish I was there!) But what's the most important element of a great summer read? Uh huh - you got it - romance! Love lost and all the angst that comes with it. And the winding road to love found. And all the missteps, miscommunications and missed cues along the way.Harvey's writing is easy and engaging and I found myself quickly caught up in the tale.As I mentioned, I chose to listen to this book. Two narrators were used - Kelsey Navarro and Amanda Ronconi. Navarro had the perfect voice for the mental image I created for Gray - cultured and sophisticated. It was very 'smooth' if that makes sense. Easy to listen to and well modulated. She also captured the emotions of the character with her voice. Ronconi's voice was ideal for the character of Diana. Rough around the edges, a nice twangy accent and well, just a down home, heart of gold manner of speaking. Easy to listen to as well. And I really appreciate having two different readers. In addition to be easier to know who's speaking, it feels more like actual conversations. Makes the listening more immersive. Both did an excellent job. This was the first book I'd read/listened to from Kristy Woodson Harvey - and I would happily pick up another! Who else enjoyed Feels Like Falling? "Buckle up, buttercups, because Feels Like Falling feels like your next summer sizzler!" - Mary Kay Andrews.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kristy Woodson Harvey’s books are perfect beach reads. They are always populated with engaging characters who are navigating relationships of all kinds. Feels Like Falling introduces the reader to two women – Gray Howard and Diana Harrington. Both are dealing with man problems but they are very far apart in how those problems will impact their lives.Gray finds herself facing divorce in the most stereotypical fashion; her husband has left her for his much younger assistant. She is the one who has built her business to the the success it is, even employing her rat soon to be ex but perhaps her attention to it took away from her attention to him. But no matter what she is not going to let him destroy her business or take her son away.Diana has a far less comfortable lifestyle; in fact her latest shlub of a boyfriend has gambled away her savings and thanks to complaints from Gray she has lost her job and has been reduced to living in her car. But a fortunate encounter has her working for Gray even though she swore she would never be anyone’s maid again. But it’s far more than just cleaning the house and she has fallen in love with Gray’s little boy.The book is a celebration of women and their friendships. Through sadness and defeat it will be the friends in your life that will pull you through – whether they are the women you have known forever or the new friends that come along when you need them. Not to discount the men in their lives because there is plenty of romance going on in this book, but it is the love between the women that holds the tale together.I was pretty much captivated from the first pages and read the book in one afternoon. It was a perfect book for a cold and rainy day. I was able to spend it instead on the beach with the women of Feels Like Falling instead of having to face looking out my windows at a gloomy day. This has been my favorite of all the books I have read so far by Ms. Harvey.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Feels Like FallingAuthor: Kristy Woodson HarveyPublisher: Gallery BooksReviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FiveReview:"Feels Like Falling" by Kristy Woodson HarveyMy Speculation: I enjoyed "Feels Like Falling' by Kristy Woodson Harvey. We find Gray Howard, who was successful in business but not so much in her marriage. Moving on, we see Diana Harrington has had a hard life now. She was living in her car due to be fired from her job. The way this author brings these two ladies together was simply magical as how they meet, and a strong friendship will arise. The story will have a lot of emotions from 'Loneliness, hope, despair, sadness, death, joy, touches of humor, tears, to a HEA.' I loved how this story was a 'blend of differences that shines a light on how great similarities' that these two protagonists both processed. For anyone who loves women's fiction, with good dialogue, southeastern coastal summers, and interesting characters, this read would be for you to enjoy to the end.One good quote from this story: "Sometimes we get right where we need to be by ending up exactly where we started."Thanks to Gallery Books for providing our copy of Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey in exchange for an honest & fair review.

[fredreeca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gray’s world has recently shifted. She is getting divorced, her sister has married an extremist and her mother just died of cancer. Enter Diana. Gray caused Diana to lose her job…well sort of. So, what else are you supposed to do…you move Diana into your guest house.Diana has struggled her whole life. Foster homes, bad decisions and bad boyfriends have kept her from succeeding. Gray is determined to change this. She gives Diana a job and a place to live. But…above all this, she gives Diana love and friendship.No one has better characters than Kristy Woodson Harvey. Gray and Diana have great sparring matches and friendship laughter. Then there is Trey. Trey is Gray’s assistant and I just love him! He needs his own novel!I have enjoyed all of Kristy’s books. However, I think this is her best! I found myself laughing and crying throughout this whole story. I love a book which takes you on a roller coaster ride.Plus…..THIS COVER! It is the best!

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the perfect read for this time of isolation and stress as it provides an escape to a happily-ever-after.Gray Howard has a successful business but not a successful marriage. Diana Harrington has lost her job and is living in her car. Their paths cross resulting in Gray giving Diana a place to live.The best parts of this book are the strong friendships. These are characters I would love to have in my life. They are supportive of each other and so much fun! They form their own family amongst themselves, bringing out the best in each other. The story runs through many emotions - loneliness, despair, hope, joy, sadness, laughter, tears. While not entirely realistic, the story is fun as they find their “happy-ever-afters”.“Sometimes we get right where we need to be by ending up exactly where we started.”Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

[lorikboyd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5/5 Stars!

I am so in the mood for Summer and nothing says Summer better than this newest read by Kristy Woodson Harvey. After reading so many thrillers, I was in the mood for something lighter. This fit the bill perfectly. Wonderful characters, friendship, romance and, of course, a little drama. This book just flows easily from one character to another seamlessly. Due out on 4/28, it will be the perfect start to your summer reading.

Gray, 34, lady boss, rich, separated. Diana, 40, down on her luck, single. Two women who couldn’t be more opposite are thrown together by chance. Gray with her huge heart seems to take Diana under her wing, but who saves who? They end up with an unlikely friendship, helping each more than they could have ever thought possible. Family, isn’t always about being related by blood, it’s finding people who come into your life at unexpected times, see you at your lowest and help raise you up.

Thanks to Ms. Harvey, Tall Poppy Writers and Gallery Books for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kristy Woodson Harvey is one of those few authors that you just know - even before you read the first page -that you are going to meet wonderful believable characters in a beautiful location. You want to read her books fast because they are so good but you also want to read them slowly because you don't want to leave these new friends. I am one of her major fans and have read every book that she's written and I can tell you that all of her books are fantastic but this is my new favorite.I really don't have anything in common with the two main characters -- I'm not uber-rich like Gray and I've never had to live in my car like Diana - but they are both so well written that I feel like I know them and could have a great time with them if we met.This is a story of love and heartbreak, family and friends and the search for happiness and fulfillment in life. It shows that family isn't just the people that you are related to but also includes the friends that you learn to love throughout your life. It reminds us that even when life gets tough, there will be a second chance waiting - maybe not what you planned but definitely what you need.Thanks to Kristy for another wonderful book that made me laugh and cry with two characters that I feel like I know and then I won't soon forget. See is one of the best authors of Southern fiction writing today. My prediction is that Feels Like Falling will be one of the MUST READ books for the summer of 2020.Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.