Why They Call It Falling tells the story of Emma Marano and Justin Lee. High school sweethearts, Justin left Emma for life in the military. Then, years later, he discovers they had a daughter he never knew about. As a single mom, Emma struggles with the present along with things that happened in the past.

Once Justin discovers he is a father, he wants to get to know his daughter Hayley. Getting to know her involves spending time with Emma as well. I loved getting to know Emma, Hayley, Justin, Emma’s sister Tiffany and the other characters in the book.

Since my husband served in the military, I appreciated Justin serving his country. So if you enjoy books about second chances, finding family you did not know about, and having faith to try again, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I love a second-chance story! Why They Call It Falling is a complicated, beautiful, heartwarming, redemption story. What’s not to love about that?

I sank into this story with no effort at all. I connected with Emma and empathized with her fears and concerns. But I also understood Justin’s feelings of frustration. That’s what makes their dynamic so compelling. They are both hurt characters with a shared history, and I yearned for them to find hope, healing, and a happy ever after.

I love when a story inspires me to see things in a new way or from a different perspective. One that reveals the rewards of trust, faith, and forgiveness. Emma and Justin’s story stirs the heart and touches the soul.

First Line (Prologue): “It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission,” Emma whispered near Justin’s ear.
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Author: Christina Sinisi
Page Count: 294

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine. ( )

I enjoyed the book and how the author takes a look at how one decision can change many lives. The story follows Emma as she struggles being a single parent. She works two jobs but tries to spend as much time as she can with her daughter. I thought their relationship was very special and admired Emma for the sacrifices she made to provide for her daughter. On the outside Emma seems to have it all together but she has a secret that no one knows about. On top of feeling guilty for her father’s death, she has been untruthful to everyone about the father of her child.

Justin right away became my favorite character in the entire story. He has worked hard all his life and never thought too much about Emma since high school. As you will find out in the story he runs into Emma and their world explodes from secrets that kept him from a daughter he didn’t know he had. I know Emma tried to explain her reasons for not telling him, but he has lost four precious years not being able to know her. His anger is real yet he also has grace towards Emma. I liked how he decided that getting to know his daughter was more important that fighting with Emma.

What I really liked about the story was how the author handled Emma’s struggle with depression. I know I try to hide my depression from others because I think it makes me feel weak. All this time Emma has suffered alone and hides things from her family. There is a scripture that says something like, “all things hidden will be revealed.” For Emma her lies about Justin come to the surface when everyone finds out she never told him about his daughter. It just seemed easier to her so she would not feel rejected again and as time went on, she made Haley the center of her life.

I love stories about second chances and this one is filled with an emotional rollercoaster as two people try to repair a relationship , have faith be their foundation and learn to not only forgive but trust each other. Justin’s parents add a little drama to the story as they see Emma for the first time after finding out about their granddaughter. At times I had mixed feelings about Emma but in the end, the author helps me see a different side of her that cried out for help. It is never too late to make amends and find peace when you give your burdens to God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )