REVIEW: Can’t Help Falling, by Kara Isaac

Can’t Help Falling, by Kara Isaac: This romance, “Can’t Help Falling”, tells the story of Peter and Emelia, who meet in England while on separate quests: Emelia is looking for a special wardrobe, and Peter for an antique tea cup. Both Peter and Emelia are avid C.S. Lewis fans, particularly of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Emelia tends to crawl into wardrobes with the fanciful hope that the wardrobes will lead her to Narnia. The two hit it off quickly inside an antique shop.

Here is where I must say, with regrets, that I was not able to read the rest of the story. Not for lack of trying, however, as I kept trying to be pulled further into the story. I am not even sure I can put my finger on what it was that did not hold me. I think it was something in the writing style, that it was quite chatty, and I did not feel connected to the characters emotionally.

Which is a shame, as both Peter and Emelia had very likable characters and background stories. I felt like it just did not flow smoothly. However, I would like to provide a positive thought, which is that readers who are avid fans of the Narnia books/series may definitely find this book of interest.

Book Info:

October 11, 2016 | Howard Books |

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 curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.