Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder

Falling for You
By: Lisa Schroeder 
Nook, 266 pages
Published: January 1, 2013
By: Simon and Schuster
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary:


Rae's always dreamed of dating a guy like Nathan. He’s nothing like her abusive stepfather—in other words, he’s sweet. But the closer they get, the more Nathan wants of her time, of her love, of her...and the less she wants to give. 

As Rae’s affection for Nathan turns to fear, she leans on her friend Leo for support. With Leo, she feels lighter, happier. And possessive Nathan becomes jealous. 

Then a tragedy lands Rae in the ICU. Now, hovering between life and death, Rae must find the light amid the darkness…and the strength to fight for life and the love she deserves.

My Thoughts:


Falling for you, by Lisa Schroeder was a great read, and a super quick read also.  This book brought out mixed emotions within me.  The story begins in the present where Rae is in the hospital in critical care, and we don't know how she got there or why.  We also don't know if she will survive whatever happened to her.  As Rae is thinking, she takes us back in time as she relives memories from her past, and the events that took place to lead her to her current situation.  Rae has experienced deep sadness in her life.  Her father was never in her life, and her mother married an abusive man who is an alcoholic, controlling, and downright horrible.  Rae finds an outlet for her suffering through poetry.  I loved reading the poetry, and it helped me see into Rae's soul and hurt for her.  She was such a selfless person who always tried to make the best out of a negative situation, and I admired how she would always try to look on the bright side of her life.  


Rae works in a little flower shop and her boss and coworker bring her the little comfort, peace, and happiness that she has in her life.  Leo, works in his parents coffee shop, and is her good friend.  They take their breaks together, discuss books, and connect on a soul deep level.  Nathan goes to Rae's school and pursues her relentlessly.  He knows what he wants, and Rae is it.   He's determined to have her, and he won't take no for an answer.

Lisa Schroeder captivated my attention while reading this story in multiple ways.  For one, I appreciated and enjoyed the poetry.  It touched my soul and made Rae come to life for me.  I also enjoyed the angst and tension that the story plot caused.  I had to know why Rae was in the hospital, who caused Rae to be struggling between life and death, along with why they did what they did, and what lead to the preset situation.  I enjoyed the fact that Rae was such a strong female character.  She stood up for herself, and didn't cower in fear like her mother did.  She was mature and responsible for her age.  She continually tried to lend her mother her strength, and in spite of her fears throughout the story, she never gave up in making her situation better. 

Falling for You is filled with sadness, and gives us glimpses into the psyche of how sick and malicious individuals operate.  However, it also shows us that a person can bring light and happiness into the world of others and in turn themselves.  There was a paying it forward concept in this book, and I felt it sent a great message to the reader.  I cannot wait to read more of Lisa Schroeder's work.  I'm excited that her other stories are in verse because she writes the most beautiful and touching prose.  Her words made me feel.  Her story, had a depth to it that I appreciated.  Most importantly Ms. Schroeder sent a message to teenage girls of abuse, that they can gain enough strength from within to get out of a situation that can be extremely dangerous.  I highly recommend Falling for You, if have enjoyed books such as The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay, Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, and The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorenson.

Escape in a book,

                    Book Trailer of Falling For You

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