Where We Fall: A Novel

An attempted suicide early in the story throws a tumultuous marriage into further turmoil. This marriage exists as part of a long ago started love story that has never been resolved. As one angle’s mental distress took precedence over this threesome critical secrets were buried deep and each of the three players went off to lick their wounds, each in their own way.

Told in the alternating voices of the three principal characters along with the sole offspring of Abby and Ryan, the gaps are slowly filled in for the reader as we wait for the characters to finally reach out of themselves toward real growth.

Somewhat slow-moving and dull with no real discernment between each separate voice, the story lacks luster and seems forced. An ending that doesn’t seem well thought out after the many years that two of the characters had stayed together and the reasons behind their dogged refusal to separate although they should not have ended up together in the first place appear like a last minute one eighty for dramatic effect. The author makes her case for the proper treatment of what she deems mental illness but her beliefs may not be scientifically documented and a fictional platform can be a dangerous thing. The truth is we are never clear on why Abby suffers the way she does.

Where We Fall unfortunately falls short.

Told in the alternating voices of the three main characters, Abby, Ryan and their teenage daughter, Juliana, this novel slowly unfolds to uncover the secrets of the past that have lead to Abby's recurring depression and recent suicidal attempt. Ryan patiently and lovingly tends to his wife during her many bouts with depression, tiptoeing around her to avoid further exacerbating her fragile condition. Juliana has lost patience with her mother and just wants a normal mom. Ryan has tried to cover up Abby's illnesses and protect Juliana, and has provided her with the love and caring of two parents. Ryan is the respected and beloved high school football coach, and Abby seems to have it all - a loving husband, beautiful daughter and comfortable life - but she has never forgotten the past that lead her to this life.

As the layers are gradually peeled back, we come to know that the roots of Abby's depression lie many years before when she, Ryan and Lauren, now a successful published photographer, were best friends and did everything together. Lauren disappeared from their lives many years ago, and the reasons are gradually revealed throughout the novel.

The constant shifting in time as well as voice between the three main characters somehow made the narrative choppy and without a natural flow. Some of the language was also a bit overwrought, more like a romance novel. Examples: "The kisses his eyes were sprinkling on my cheeks were meant for someone else" and "Perhaps that was the day he also wound his fingers around my heart and lightly tugged."

I found myself growing impatient with the slowly unfolding timeline of this novel, and the ending seemed rather forced and unrealistic considering the buildup that preceded. I have enjoyed other books by this author, but this one missed the mark for me somewhat. Nevertheless, Weinstein will remain on my list of authors to consider.

I nearly gave up after the first chapter of 'Where We Fall' by Rochelle B. Weinstein. The description of Abby's depression around which the story revolves was so desolate and keenly felt that I wasn't sure I could read the whole book and maintain my own state of mind; however, I did persevere and found the story to be a very good exploration of how Abby's actions in the past have dominated her thoughts and feelings for the rest of her life to the extent that her ability to function as a human being is severely impaired.
Abby, Ryan and Lauren, high school friends, share everything. Lauren and Ryan, high school sweethearts, are deeply in love and destined, so they believe, to be together. So why then is Ryan now married to Abby? And why is there a rift so deep between the three that Lauren has never come home since she left all those years ago?
All it not revealed to us immediately. The story unfolds as the layers are peeled away little by little until the 'aha' moment; the reason why Abby has been unable to be the wife and mother that she wanted to be, the reason Ryan turned to Abby, and the reason Lauren couldn't return home.
The story is all fairly predictable, but that doesn't detract from the fact that I enjoyed it very much.

Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Where We Fall, in exchange for an honest review.

From all outward appearances, Abby Holden has it all: her husband Ryan, who is a well respected high school teacher and football coach, and daughter Juliana, a 16 year old in the 11th grade. Depression has been an almost constant companion for Abby, despite the attempted help from several therapists and medications. After a depressive episode lands her in the hospital, a former therapist convinces Abby that it is time to take drastic measures to get the help she needs.

Lauren Sheppard, Abby's former best friend and Ryan's ex-girlfriend, is coming home for the first time in years. A writer and photographer, Lauren is back to put the finishing touches on her latest book. Will they all be able to heal old wounds, from Lauren's leaving, to Ryan and Abby turning to each other for comfort, or will everything come crashing down?

Where We Fall is the story of betrayal, lost love, and second chances. Abby's struggles are palatable and the impact her illness has on Ryan and Juliana is clearly felt. Depression not only affects the individual, but no one in the family is spared. This book shows the deep roots that the illness has and how difficult it is to get better. Abby's journey to wellness is paved with a lot of tears, but her strength and desire to finally be right with herself and her family is inspirational. With a well paced plot and great main characters, I would recommend Where We Fall to readers who enjoy women's fiction.

Rochelle Weinstein has a way of writing that immediately draws you into a story. This is my second book by the author and my second 5 star rating. Where We Fall is a story with a complicated love triangle involving three best friends, two of whom generously form a relationship with an awkward emotionally insecure young woman. A single event changes this friendship for ever. Years later Abby, a beautiful woman, now mother and wife to Ryan, the male member of the triangle, is struggling to hold on to the life she has created for herself. Abby suffers from crippling mental illness that has been the source of her insecurity for as long as she can remember. Her husband and teenage daughter have learned to live with her bouts of depressions and fragility because in between the bad times she is a loving wife and mother. It was this same fragility that made the earlier protective friendship of Ryan and her best friend Lauren so special. Now years later, something is troubling her but even Abby is not sure why she is so unsettled until a picture from the past unravels the fairytale life she has created. Its a beautifully written sad, ultimately satisfying story.

SO, I won this audiobook from the author. The ONLY reason it didn't get 5 stars was because it was an audiobook. (UPDATE: I went back and gave it 5 stars; the story was great, and just because I prefer reading as opposed to listening shouldn't negate a star). I am definitely going to get the paper version, and I will update my status then. I am easily distracted when listening to anything, lol. However, what I did hear and comprehend was a great story. Three friends, one boy and two girls, are college friends. Their predicament turns into a love triangle gone sad. I wouldn't say bad, as there wasn't any menace involved, but it was definitely sad. 2 of the 3 end up having a daughter, who, during the story is a teenager in love with the local football star. The football star has family issues of his own though, and it all links into the original triangle's story. The story is complex. But oh, it's fabulous. I'm on my way to the bookstore!

This review may contain spoilers so be warned. I love how this book looks at mental illness. It was written beautifully in that sense. The rest did not sit well with me. There is a lot of unreasonable things in this book. The daughter tells her dad she wants to have sex with her boyfriend? I like that she feels she could share but no dad wants to hear that casually come out of their kid's mouth. Also, Lauren doesn't say anything when she walks into the house? Not realistic. The end is the worst part for me. Seventeen years is a long time to be together. I hate how Ryan constantly thinks of another woman the whole time he's married. Why did he marry her if he didn't love her? No wonder Abby has extreme anxiety. Also, how can Ryan just fulfill his wife's request so easily? It makes me hate Ryan. You can't just throw away so much that easily. I don't think I'll be reading anymore of this author's books.

In school, they were best friends, but time and circumstance have separated them. Abby Golden should be a happy woman. Married to the man she’s loved since she was a girl, the mother to a teenage daughter, she should be counting her blessings, but instead she’s tormented by the past and the lies that helped create the life she now lives. Her husband Ryan doesn’t understand why is wife is so unhappy, but it’s taking a toll on their marriage and their daughter. Lauren Sheppard used to count Ryan and Abby among her best friends, but that was years ago. As a successful photographer, Lauren has traveled the world, but now she hone, in North Carolina and the threesome will be together again for the first time in almost 20 years. This takes me back to my own school days, remembering all the alliances and friendships, the loves and relationships that we thought would last a lifetime

This book has it all. A compelling love story, likable characters, a good ending, some non judgmental interracial romance with no finger pointing and a joy to read .I could not put it down once I started it. Only two other books had beautiful prose that made me recite it as I reread it to my wife. The were "Beaches" and "Marjorie Morningstar". Mrs. Weinstein is in very good company. I could see this book as a movie or television serial like "Friday Night Lights". I read at least one book every week. This is by far my favorite in a long time. The depiction of the segment showing mental problems was so poignant and in such good taste it could be a primer for families coping with these problems. I felt happy for all the characters. There were several ways this book could have ended and the author delicately picked the right one. Enjoy it!

Before You Go contains a compelling story of three lives that are interwoven through the years. Other strengths of the novel are character development (of Ryan and Abby), and a plot full of twists. I found the writing to be uneven however. Some sections flowed and drew me in whilst others seemed forced and replete with pat phrases and summary statements. I also found the "strong male hero and weak females" a bit hard to take. Ryan is just too perfect, everyone leans on him and he is TOO kind, caring, and compassionate. in contrast, all the females are flawed and needy of his strength.

A special thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Deeply psychological, beautifully written, with stunning metaphors of water, and mesmerizing lyrical prose, Rochelle B. Weinstein delves into her characters’ complex souls with, WHERE WE FALL a troubled family on the verge of collapse. Mental Illness. Guilt. Secrets. Pain. Lies. Betrayal. Darkness. Depression.

Two parallels, a gripping, inspiring, emotional, and thought-provoking tale of mental illness. The real effects of millions of people, its afflictions- far reaching, often misunderstood, and the stigma attached, as a society. Tragedy and beauty. Darkness and Light. Hate and Love. Emotions. Facing fears, pain, admitting misdeeds, accountability, taking responsibility for your actions “head on” in order to begin healing. Redemption, forgiveness, true happiness.

The author’s writing style is absolutely mesmerizing! I bookmarked so many pages, getting lost in her lovely writing, her poetic prose. Fans of T. Greenwood, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Amy Hatvany, and Jodi Picoult will love this author and WHERE WE FALL.

With finesse, Weinstein skillfully tackles highly-charged complex topics with sensitivity. So excited about the discovery of this new found author; cannot wait to read more. I love Greenwood’s lyrical writing and her skillful use of vivid imagery --Rochelle is right up there with her.

Falling in love, out of love, falling apart . . . A soft place to land. If you are looking for a light-hearted, cheery and carefree book- look elsewhere. So much more, here! A clever mix of chick-noir, domestic and psychological suspense, contemporary, mystery, and family drama.

In a brief introduction, the spring of 1997, at Davidson College in North Carolina, we meet three friends Abby, Ryan, and Lauren. Flash forward to the Fall of 2014. Abby and Ryan, in their late thirties, married, with teen daughter Juliana, residing in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to gain keen insights into how the characters view one another. Flashing back and forth over the years.

Abby is taunted by demons of darkness and depression. She feels sorry for herself. Her wants and desires have resulted in an unhappy life. She is not honest about the past. She is manipulative. She has been plagued for years by the unwanted fears--the invasive, sneaky, and powerful thoughts. Neuroses. Sad and hopeless thoughts.

She sleeps for days straight, withering into something more skeletal than human. Ryan has begged her to return to therapy, and stay on her medications. Her therapist urges her to commit herself. She has reached rock bottom, when Ryan finds her on the bathroom floor with pills. Abby is hiding dark secrets, which continue to haunt her. She is an absentee, selfish, and distant parent.

Ryan is good-looking, patient, a loving father, a community leader, and husband. He is a fixer. A football coach, he loves his wife, his daughter, his team. However, his wife’s condition is disturbing, and has taken a toll on all their lives. Like a coach, he tried to draw Abby out. There was so much wrong inside her. He will not leave her. He has all sorts of strategy for the football field and his team; however, his own family is a different story. Abby needs him. His friends encourage him to leave. His wife is a woman of shifting temperament. Low self-esteem. Lifeless. Her mind is tangled and tortured. She needs help.

He has a life, but he cannot think of himself. He buries his needs. He lives in fear everyday she will take her life, buried in her darkness. He had become a single parent, a doting father, in his wife’s absences. He made promises and commitments to his wife. However, has he ever got over the love of his life, Lauren? The girl he was to marry. What happened? He cannot forget about her leaving and never to be heard from again. He is unaware of what his wife did years ago. When he discovers the truth, will he ever forgive her? Little does he know she changed the course of all their lives.

Abby is convalescing in the hospital, his star player is on the run, and his daughter is alone and frightened, yet he coaches his boys to a victorious win every week. He is proud of them. Many coaches tell their players to learn from loss—it builds character and resiliency. What about his own personal life?

Juliana, an only child. She is independent and self-sufficient. A fixer, the one who believes she can repair the damage and make wrong into right. She is disturbed by her mother’s condition. Her mom was different than other moms. She is embarrassed by her mom’s behavior. Why can’t she be normal?

Juliana has her own issues. She is dating the high school football star, E.J. However, E.J. comes from a poor, abusive, dysfunctional, and violent family. He is always caught in the middle trying to keep his mom and brother out of harm’s way from his father. In doing so, he gets into trouble with the law and on the run—everyone in his path is in danger. Now Juliana has to help him, putting her own father, the coach in the middle—a dangerous situation. She is filled with burdens of those she has chosen to love. Worrying about EJ protects her from the troubles of her own home. Her father provides the love of two parents.

Abby finally agrees to have herself committed, to Cold Creek a clinic in Asheville, western North Carolina--instrumental by Babs, (brutally honest) unlike most psychologists. Babs tells her she is dying and destroying everything around her. Memories of happier times have riddled her with guilt and hopelessness.

The world already thinks she is crazy, why not make it official. How did she get here . . to this place? How bad does she have to get to make a change. Here, she will be open to scrutiny and self-improvement, even though free of home and pressures to conform. She will have to face what she did. She is angry for so many reasons. Always chipping away. Placing the blame on someone else. Her husband loved someone else first. Will she always be second best. How did she play God?

Lauren had left years ago, to explore the world. A lover of nature. A free-spirit. (my kind of gal). She planned on returning. She and Ryan had plans for marriage. A lifetime. She loves gushing creeks and waterfalls which trickle from secret places. The water that falls from the streams washes away troubles and clears the mind. She loves the mountains—inspiring. The last time she sought the mountains, all those years ago she came for one thing—refuge, to rid herself of pain. This time she had not wanted to come back.

She is now an intelligent, world famous published author. (writing under another name). She has traveled the world. Her book was her life’s work. Her passion for writing, photography, and waterfalls had led her on a quest to compile the most beautiful cascades in the world. From poetry and musings. The grand finale would bring her home to the North Carolina mountains. Where she would shoot Linville, Toxaway, Looking Glass, and Elk River. (have hiked all these). What waited for her, terrified her. She had to return—she had put it off long enough. Her publisher is the only one who knows the truth about her identity. She is ready to reveal herself to her readers.

Everything she has kept at bay circling around Abby, Ryan and herself. Chipping away at her defenses, reminding her that no matter how hard she tried to move forward, there is always a past pulling us back. Long ago she gave herself to Ryan. A college love, connected. He was woven into her soul. She left. Ryan’s father died. He married someone else. A betrayal.

The author takes readers on a mysterious journey, at a controlled pace, peeling back the layers when Ryan and Lauren were dating in college. Lauren always included Abby. At first their friendship was new, and she was unaware of Abby’s secret suffering. When the lightbulb would go out. However, Abby fell in love with Ryan secretly. Everyone always knew Ryan and Lauren would get married. However, they didn’t. Why?

Throughout the book you do not know what happened to change these three. Until the ending…So be patient. It is worth the wait.

Now, Lauren is returning to her favorite small town of Banner Elk (Beech Mountain), NC. Her family home was there. Her haven. She has to make her first appearance as an author. Her readers will meet the real Lauren (not the fake). Back where her journey started. Little does she know Ryan, Abby, and his daughter are in the mountains staying at a friend’s seasonal cabin, while Abby is going through treatment. When their paths cross, soon the long awaited secrets will be revealed. (A BIG ONE)!

Readers will despise Abby during the majority of the book. She attempts to drag everyone down. You wonder why Ryan tolerates her behavior. You will sympathize with Lauren. Lauren hides behind her work and her mask – her pain, the betrayal. The author has a purpose, precise timing, taking you to the explosive and emotional conclusion. The more you read, the better-- which will keep you glued to the pages.

Richly textured, an insightful look at hope and redemption. The author handles the painful subject of mental illness, with honesty and compassion. The haunting look at a fractured family will please readers of literary and domestic suspense. A compelling character study; Harrowing, heartfelt and ultimately so realistically human --with flawed real characters and a touch of romance--readers will be pleased with the beautiful ending.

For starters: this is a well-written book. Rochelle B. Weinstein has a great and poignant understanding and way of communicating how mental illness feels and how unchecked mental illness can wreck a person and those they love. But it was not easy to read and process: it was never fully made clear what Abby was struggling with, and it was also just very hard to read about Abby's actions and thoughts. Why did Ryan and Lauren keep her around when, even when she wasn't struggling with her anxiety/depression/etc, she didn't seem to bring a lot to the relationship? This book was full of uncomfortable moments, which is...important, but also painful at times.

The story started off well but it started to turn and I could see where it was going and I DID NOT like the direction of the story. Sure, Abby made a mistake, well a huge mistake and kept a secret but her husband loved her and he made a choice too, along with Lauren. I couldn't believe the ending and it didn't go along with the character of Ryan in which the author described in a great way. It just was not believable, at the end and it made my heart hurt for the family.

I was pleasantly surprised by this family drama that definitely kept me reading. Abby, Ryan, and Lauren are a trio in college. Abby is Lauren's best friend and Ryan and Lauren are dating. We meet up with them year's later with Ryan and Abby surprisingly married with a teenage daughter. Abby is struggling with untreated mental health issues, and her family is struggling.

This story is told from multiple points of view which I always enjoy. I found the book to be very well written and the characters to be interesting and real. Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

Going into Where We Fall I was excited because the blurb sounded really interesting. I was surprised at how complex everything seemed to be.. although it didn't stretch to the characters. They didn't seem like they had much personality.

I also didn't expect it to be that "deep". Mental illness is a serious thing and I think Rochelle described it perfectly.

The ending was a little flat but overall Where We Fall was a good read!

*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. I enjoyed this story because it dealt with mental illness and the possibility for the control/recognition of such illness. What I most appreciated about this read was the hope that the mentally ill can find their way out of/or at least learn to have a happy, meaningful life while living with their mental illness. I identified with the main character and the strength she harnessed.

This book nearly killed me. There is so much depth to this story. It is about righting wrongs, healing through mental illness, and finding yourself among the darkness. The ending that happened, is the one I was pulling for, but still found myself crying at the end of the book. There's so much beauty in pain, and it's reflected ten-fold in this story. It is one that is going to take me a while to get over. It is one that I will reflect on for a long time.

Rochelle Weinstein wrote the character of Abby in the perfect way that puts words to the emotions that people like me, who have Bi-Polar disorder, cannot clearly do. From her chapters featuring Ryan’s point of view, I have a glimpse of how difficult it must be for my husband to love me sometimes. Even the chapters featuring their daughter’s thoughts and feelings, have led to tearful but much needed conversations. Thank You!

This is a story with no ending...my least favorite kind. I t seemed a bit long but I had to know how it ended. But the ending was left up in the air. It is the story of two best friends and the boy they both love. Both girls suffer from psychological problems but at least that problem gets solved.

This author covered the effects of mental illness perfectly. It effects an entire family as I have seen personally. Truth is that it takes both therapy and medication to get out of the foggy oppression and live in the light. A very good read.

Predictable ending, what more can I say. If it weren't for my love of football and cheering for the underdog, I would have closed the book long before it was finished. Sorry , I felt the book and story line fell hard.

This is a story with no ending...my least favorite kind. I t seemed a bit long but I had to know how it ended. But the ending was left up in the air. It is the story of two best friends and the boy they both love. Both girls suffer from psychological problems but at least that problem gets solved.

This author covered the effects of mental illness perfectly. It effects an entire family as I have seen personally. Truth is that it takes both therapy and medication to get out of the foggy oppression and live in the light. A very good read.

Predictable ending, what more can I say. If it weren't for my love of football and cheering for the underdog, I would have closed the book long before it was finished. Sorry , I felt the book and story line fell hard.

Nicely written story of a love triangle and personal growth. Lauren, Abby, and Ryan are all very believable. While you might quibble about how they dealt with their choices (I did), that's how real life goes. I have not read Weinstein before but I'll look for her in the future because she's done a good job of addressing a variety of issues. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

It was interesting to watch the changes in the characters unfold. The depiction of the character with depression and anxiety was genuine and gave an in depth glimpse into the real struggles a person with those issues face. It was real but I did not find it to be depressing and in fact showed hope for the person who seeks treatment.

It kept my attention and was an interesting read. It would have been three stars but I didn't like the ending. Spoiler: I wasn't sold on the relationship with Lauren being was so epic that it would have been worth giving up his long marriage and his current relationship with his daughter.

"Where We Fall" deals admirably with a woman's life-long struggle with anxiety, fear, mental illness, and the eventual accepting of the absolute responsibility into fixing the damage made a lifetime ago. A tender look into the many forms of love available to us. .. including self-love.

I really enjoyed this book! The story is told individually by the 4 main characters in the book - their perspective from their past and now present life. It's a story about friendship, love, betrayal, loss and acceptance in the end. I think you will enjoy it!

Well written but damn I hated this entire story. All of it was just so unfair. And the plot took entirely too long to make sense. I hate when a writer leaves you dragging for some plot twist that really isn't worth how long it took to reveal.

A touching story that starts off slot different than how it ends. It will keep you turning the page to find out what the characters are doing or going to do. It touches on a subject that needs more attention. A sad yet wonderful story about love..... real love....

This book was not your typical love story. There were surprising twists. It is good to realize how the choices one makes can change not only ones own life, but many others are affected by ones choices.