Publication Date: 1st October
2012 (1st published 25th Sept 2012)
Pages: 351
Book Source: ARC courtesy
Harlequin Australia
Synopsis: Alone
since her mother's death, Jill Wagner wants to eat, sleep and breathe Cade
Olmstead when he bursts upon her life—golden, handsome and ambitious. Even
putting college on hold feels like a minor sacrifice when she discovers she's
pregnant with Cade's baby. But it won't be the last sacrifice she'll have to
make.
Retreating to the Olmsteads' New England farm
seems sensible, if not ideal—they'll regroup and welcome the baby, surrounded
by Cade's family. But the remote, ramshackle place already feels crowded.
Cade's mother tends to his ailing father, while Cade's pious sister, her
bigoted husband and their rowdy sons overrun the house. Only Cade's brother,
Elias, a combat veteran with a damaged spirit, gives Jill an ally amidst the
chaos, along with a glimpse into his disturbing childhood. But his burden is
heavy, and she alone cannot kindle his will to live.
The
tragedy of Elias is like a killing frost, withering Cade in particular,
transforming his idealism into bitterness and paranoia. Taking solace in caring
for her newborn son, Jill looks up to find her golden boy is gone. In Cade's
place is a desperate man willing to endanger them all in the name of vengeance… unless Jill can find a way out.
My
Thoughts:
Rebecca
Coleman won me as a fan with her debut novel The
Kingdom of Childhood hence my jumping at the chance to read Heaven Should Fall. It's another intense, thought
provoking read tackling difficult subject matter, something Ms Coleman doesn't
shy away from, but I did have a little trouble getting into it.
Heaven Should Fall is an intimate look at the slow erosion of a family, the trauma of PTSD not only for sufferer Elias, an Afghanistan veteran but his family and the aftermath of grief and blame fueled by inflammatory extremist views.
I didn't really connect with the characters, apart from Elias and I'm not one that has to like a character to connect, so that was unexpected. What breaks your heart is the lack of support and follow-up for returned soldiers and that being a sad reality in these so called enlightened times is a terrible thing.
While this wasn't the absorbing, emotionally challenging read of The Kingdom of Childhood, the author's insight and attention to an issue I feel strongly about kept me reading & thinking and I'll definitely pick up whatever Rebecca Coleman turns her hand to next.
Want to know more about Rebecca Coleman? Check out her website or blog.
US cover
Bummer it wasn't everything you hoped... the synopsis sounds promising!!!
ReplyDeletewon't stop me reading Rebecca Coleman's next one :)
DeleteThat is a shame it didn't quite hit the mark especially as PTSD and the lack of support as you say is a real issue effecting so many people.
ReplyDeleteWell at least that was the part that I really connected with :)
DeleteI think Rebecca Coleman is a fabulous author who tackles subjects that other authors tend to steer clear of.
This sounds like such a difficult book emotionally.
ReplyDeleteI think it's terribly sad that returning soldiers put their lives on the line for our safety and our country and they often don't get the support they need or deserve :(
DeleteNot sure since I do need a connection
ReplyDeleteyou might find different B :)
DeleteI have this sitting on my tbr pile right now and I'm looking forward to giving it a try :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think Jennifer, I watch out for your review :)
DeleteI think I felt it a little more than you did, but not having read The Kingdom of Childhood I had nothing to compare it to. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteShelleyrae @ Book'd Out
I'll be interested to see what you think of The Kingdom of Childhood Shelleyrae, I definitely felt the connection with that one!
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