Falling

By: Jane Green

Narrated by: Jane Green

Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling author of The Beach House, Jemima J, and Sister Stardust presents a novel about the pleasure and meaning of finding a home - and family - where you least expect them...

When Emma Montague left the strict confines of upper-crust British life for New York, she felt sure it would make her happy. Away from her parents and expectations, she felt liberated, throwing herself into Manhattan life replete with a high-paying job, a gorgeous apartment, and a string of successful boyfriends. But the cutthroat world of finance and relentless pursuit of more began to take its toll. This wasn’t the life she wanted either.

On the move again, Emma settles in the picturesque waterfront town of Westport, Connecticut, a world apart from both England and Manhattan. It is here that she begins to confront what it is she really wants from her life. With no job, and knowing only one person in town, she channels her passion for creating beautiful spaces into remaking the dilapidated cottage she rents from Dominic, a local handyman who lives next door with his six-year-old son.

Unlike any man Emma has ever known, Dominic is confident, grounded, and committed to being present for his son whose mother fled shortly after he was born. They become friends, and slowly much more, as Emma finds herself feeling at home in a way she never has before.

But just as they start to imagine a life together as a family, fate intervenes in the most shocking of ways. For the first time, Emma has to stay and fight for what she loves, for the truth she has discovered about herself, or risk losing it all.

In a novel of changing seasons, shifting lives, and selfless love, a story unfolds - of one woman’s far-reaching journey to discover who she is truly meant to be...

©2016 Jane Green (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Readers of Emily Giffin’s novels or those who enjoy a love story with heart will adore this tale of homecoming and transformation.” (Library Journal)

“The perfect summer read.” (ABCNews.com)

good listen

I really enjoyed this book. Surprising twist at the end. Couldn't put it down. Excellent.

Unexpected

I loved this book!

I love Jane Green so I didn’t even read what this book was about before I purchased it. Let me just say it was shockingly sad and happy all at the same time.

I cried in sadness and smiled in hopefulness throughout this gem of a book. Being from Ny I could picture Dominic perfectly.

Great story as usual!
I’ve been hooked on Jane Green Since Jemima J!

Different kinds of love.

Good for the author. Gradually developing man/woman love. Love of parent/child is well done too.

Jane Green has become one of my favorite authors.

Jane Green never disappoints! She always writes a realistic poignant and emotionally gripping story. This one had me crying and happy and hopeful all at once!

Hard to listen to

I almost couldn't listen to the entire book because the narration was so bad. Great story and characters though so I found myself wanting, needing to know what happened next. Stick to writing, Ms. Green, I do love your books, but this story would have been 5 stars if read by someone else.

more please

I first fell in love with Jane Green when I read "Jemima J". I couldnt put it down! I had never been drawn to or held much interest in 'chic-lit' I love war and fantasy, suspense and other worlds far removed from my own. Yet, Jane Green delivers again, and again, and again. each time I devour her books and they are just as good to re-read or listen to over several time a year. they are real, hopeful, and make me laugh and cry, sometimes all at once! My mother was born and raised in England, spent her youth in South Africa before coming to the States when she was 16. Thank you Jane for sharing your stories, they are precious to me.

Missed the Mark

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It was too repetitive which eventually became tedious.

What could Jane Green have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I liked the story but I didn't like hearing about Emma's thoughts about Dominic because they were always the same. She loves him, he loves her. I get it.

Which character – as performed by Jane Green – was your favorite?

They were all well done. I did get a kick out of Emma's Mom.

Did Falling inspire you to do anything?

I liked her message and felt it was presented rather well.

The ending was HORRIBLE!

The performer’s accent switching was just awful. Hard to listen to. Story lacked substance and the ending is HORRIBLE!

A Surprising Romance

Any additional comments?

While listening to the first two thirds of this book, I had written it off as a nice, but entirely predictable, romance with enjoyable characters. The conflict seemed too mild to be compelling. The main characters are from different worlds -- Emma is from an affluent family in England, Dominick a handsome working class guy from small town Connecticut. Emma's snobbish family questions whether they can make the relationship work. Dominick's ex-girlfriend emerges from the past. And so on.

Then the story took a complete turn I wasn't expecting that bumped this one up from a standard romance to a truly heartfelt story. I won't give any spoilers, but it's worth listening to the end.

Jane Green is a pleasant narrator. I could listen to her English accent all day and she handles an American accent pretty well too. If you like a love story, give Falling a listen.

Not her finest

Usually really enjoy Jane Green, but this one left a little to be desired. Unexpected and disappointing ending, but overall an enjoyable listen.