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After the Sky Fell Down
Kathryn Lane thinks she has life figured out: finish college, get a great job, marry her high school sweetheart, Ben, and have a family. But when tragedy strikes, she is left to pick up the pieces of her now shattered life. As she tries to make sense of her new reality, life takes another startling turn, leading her down a path she never imagined. Through it all she finds comfort in a surprising companion who becomes her best friend and rock as she tries to rebuild her life. But when she unexpectedly meets someone, whose kindness and understanding offers her a chance at a fresh start, she struggles to move forward, afraid to leave her past behind. Will she be able to move on and find peace with her past in order to discover her future or will she let her past condemn her to a life of loneliness, unable to let go of a life that can never be?
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
100 people are currently reading
1283 people want to read
About the author
Megan Nugen Isbell
19 books125 followersMegan Isbell was born in Japan and raised in Southern Arizona. Her husband's submarine career brought her to Connecticut in 2002. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Reading/Language Arts Education. While her passion is writing, she also loves her day job as a first grade teacher. She chooses to set most of her stories in New England because she can't think of a more beautiful place to live. Besides writing, Megan loves spending time with her daughter, watching TV (especially The Vampire Diaries and anything on The History or Travel Channels) and running. She loves the Boston Red Sox and has an unhealthy obsession with the The Killers, Depeche Mode, Erasure, The Script, Within Temptation, Alex Band and Ryan Star. She currently lives in northeast Connecticut with her husband, daughter, one crotchety Yorkie, one lovable Chihuahua, and one indifferent gray cat. Her novels include The Home Series, After the Sky Fell Down, Here With Me and My Tomorrow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 8, 2013
While so many others have felt such a negative reaction, I feel like I'm in the minority here because this book caught my attention and it continued to captivate me throughout the storyline. It's not a happy book. It's not an amusing or hot sizzling romance either. It's a story about love -- and loss. At times the book is gut-wrenching and heart-wrenching. But it's about life and I felt it was portrayed fairly well. The characters are young -- late teens and early twenties. And finally, it's about letting go, reaching out, and moving on with hope while still keeping a lost one safe in your heart.
The story carried a message and was something totally different from what I've been reading. I'm not sorry I read this book.
The story carried a message and was something totally different from what I've been reading. I'm not sorry I read this book.
July 21, 2014
God this book had so much potential. It started off really good. This is the story of Kathryn and how she deals with the loss of her first love. Ben and Kathryn get together in high school and in their first year of college get engaged. But not everything is HEA for the two of them. Ben passes and Kathryn and his family are left to deal with his loss. I was literally crying at the beginning of this story but by the time the story got deep into Kathryn and how she was going to continue on with her life I totally lost interest. This book was way to long and took FOREVER to get to the point.
AND KATHRYN! Gosh she is just the worst female lead character ever written. In the beginning of the story it was allowable all of the things that she was doing because she was grieving. The story jumps two years into the future and nothing has changed. Kathryn lives in her grief, doesn't say what she wants (to anyone) and when confronted with things she stays quite because she is to weak to speak her mind. I cannot stand women like this.
This book started good, got a little depressing because of all the grief everyone was experiancing, but then just stayed there. Kathryn didn't grow as a character or a woman. Just not a good book all around. Do not recommend.
AND KATHRYN! Gosh she is just the worst female lead character ever written. In the beginning of the story it was allowable all of the things that she was doing because she was grieving. The story jumps two years into the future and nothing has changed. Kathryn lives in her grief, doesn't say what she wants (to anyone) and when confronted with things she stays quite because she is to weak to speak her mind. I cannot stand women like this.
This book started good, got a little depressing because of all the grief everyone was experiancing, but then just stayed there. Kathryn didn't grow as a character or a woman. Just not a good book all around. Do not recommend.
January 1, 2015
This was a painful book to read in many ways. First of all it was full of teenage angst and emotions. I don't think anyone in the book had a rational thought at any point in the book. Every decision was made based on emotions. Second, it dragged out for sooooooo long, I skimmed half the book. The main character bemoaned her problems over and over and over in the same way with the same words. I wouldn't be surprised if the author had just copy and pasted throughout the book. Luke was a creepy stalker/manipulator and I found myself hoping he would go away. It was like he capitalized on the fact that he looked like Ben, hoping to trick Krysten into loving him. Very weird. Every scene was scripted so much, including a description of someone walking down the hall or opening a cabinet, I felt like I was watching a cheesy/weepy romance film. It was definitely written for a juvenile audience who just wants an emotion-filled, heart-wrenching (I guess), sugar-sweet book that could easily become the next "The Notebook". The actors would just have to memorize the book to know how to act it out. But I guess some people like that sappy stuff. I do not.
June 19, 2013
I'm not going to lie, this book is heart wrenching at times, but anyone who has ever experienced loss will identify with Kathryn. This book made me cry like a baby, but at the same time I understood and empathized with Kathryn so so much. I found this book to be well written, real and profoundly moving. If you don't like books that deal with grief, loss and moving past them, then you won't like this book. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows and I feel it's cathartic to read a book that feels real. I loved this book and I think that the author wrote a moving, gritty but ultimately uplifting story about how putting yourself back together after loss is hard but not impossible. We are the sum of our life's experience, and I believe that every mistake, heartache and joy is meant to help us grow into the person we are meant to be. In my opinion that's what this book was about.
March 21, 2013
5 STARS!! Holy crap! I cried throughout this entire book. What an amazing story about love and loss and trying to find a way back from a loss that changes your life forever.
November 17, 2014
*Warning this review may contain the ramblings of an emotionally challenged woman*
Be prepared with this one as you will cry from about 3% to roughly 15%. Then again through several parts of this book. I'm talking seriously ugly crying with snot and everything. This book has pretty much slayed me from the first few pages right till the very end. But it was oh so good, it's a story of heartbreak, loss, second chances, love triangles and eventually forgiveness and happiness. Yeah it virtually killed me, yes it tore my heart in two and yes it made me think a hell of a lot but it was so worth it. I can honestly say I feel happier for reading it, (although my nose is sore from having to wipe it all the time with a tissue). There was not one ounce of sex or "hot scenes" because it honestly didn't need it. The connection between the two main characters was more than enough to add a little sizzle to the story. So you have Kathryn who can be slighty whiny at times, is a hardworking college student, caring, very confused and someone who needs to be honest with herself. Then there's Luke who is just amazing. He's sweet, caring, sensitive and although he isn't always honest with himself either he does know eventually what he wants. Now, never a one to spoil a book, I will say this. Everyone should read this book, it will make you think and it will make your heart hurt but it needs to be read. It's basically that simple. If you are like me then this book will change you. It's almost like every emotional book that's ever been written, all piled together in this one book. Loved it, loved it, loved it. 5 huge stars.
Be prepared with this one as you will cry from about 3% to roughly 15%. Then again through several parts of this book. I'm talking seriously ugly crying with snot and everything. This book has pretty much slayed me from the first few pages right till the very end. But it was oh so good, it's a story of heartbreak, loss, second chances, love triangles and eventually forgiveness and happiness. Yeah it virtually killed me, yes it tore my heart in two and yes it made me think a hell of a lot but it was so worth it. I can honestly say I feel happier for reading it, (although my nose is sore from having to wipe it all the time with a tissue). There was not one ounce of sex or "hot scenes" because it honestly didn't need it. The connection between the two main characters was more than enough to add a little sizzle to the story. So you have Kathryn who can be slighty whiny at times, is a hardworking college student, caring, very confused and someone who needs to be honest with herself. Then there's Luke who is just amazing. He's sweet, caring, sensitive and although he isn't always honest with himself either he does know eventually what he wants. Now, never a one to spoil a book, I will say this. Everyone should read this book, it will make you think and it will make your heart hurt but it needs to be read. It's basically that simple. If you are like me then this book will change you. It's almost like every emotional book that's ever been written, all piled together in this one book. Loved it, loved it, loved it. 5 huge stars.
August 11, 2016
Let me start off with the positives. This book was a beautiful story about love and surviving unimaginable loss. You really get to know the characters and can feel the pain and suffering they are going through. For this being the authors first book, I would say she did a good job.
The only negative I have is that the story really dragged on and on. It was very repetitive about the main characters feelings of loss. I mean, it got to the point that I was like, "Ok, we get it. She's sad. She misses Ben. Blah blah blah." I think this book was a lot longer than it needed to be. The same story could have been told without so much redundancy.
The only negative I have is that the story really dragged on and on. It was very repetitive about the main characters feelings of loss. I mean, it got to the point that I was like, "Ok, we get it. She's sad. She misses Ben. Blah blah blah." I think this book was a lot longer than it needed to be. The same story could have been told without so much redundancy.
March 2, 2013
I read so many negative reviews on this book. I probably wouldnt have read it if it wasnt recommended by a close friend. This book was so good. VERRRRY emotional! i dont think i have ever truly sobbed reading a book. It took me a couple times going back to get through it. I had to take emotional breaks. The book is very well written. Full of raw emotion. Ive dealt with some very hard emotional things in life and maybe thats why I was able to appreciate it so much. I recommend it highly. Give it a chance...im glad I did!
September 17, 2013
Maybe the story was a little slow but I really liked it. I was engaging, mostly on the characters ... I loved luke's personality but sometimes Kathryn frustrated me.
Anyway it was a beautiful story that helped me see all the things one most of the times passes by and doesn't give it the right amount of value.
A enjoyable read!
Anyway it was a beautiful story that helped me see all the things one most of the times passes by and doesn't give it the right amount of value.
A enjoyable read!
December 15, 2012
Wow, get your tissues out, I cried all through this one, it was a great book just a major tearjerker.
December 3, 2016
This story should of pulled at the heart strings with the tragic beginning but it didn't.
December 17, 2012
If I could have given this 0 stars I would. Awful writing.
January 22, 2020
Here's the thing, I don't know if it was me... wait that's not true, I'm pretty sure that while I thought this book was for the most part "self-indulgent tripe" that the fault was mine. Thirty years ago (GASP!) I probably would have found this romance to be incredibly romantic and wept just like many of the reviewers. I spent pretty much the entirety of this story itching to slap the incredibly brave self-sacrificing heroine.
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD - I love romances but soppy heroines dripping in understanding boys lining up to love said soppy heroines not so much. Perhaps it requires a suspension of disbelief that I do not possess to understand how a SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD or any teenager/new adult for that matter would behave in the manner that the ones in this story did. If I didn't suspect that it might bring on an attack of apoplexy I would go back and literally count how many times this heroine cried, sobbed, wept what have you, to illustrate my point.
While you might think that I just might not have a very elastic sense of belief I will have you know that I regularly consume and very much enjoy romances featuring all kinds of bizarre aliens and have no problem living in those imaginary worlds. It was the actions of these characters that kept pinging my boundaries of reality, starting from the very beginning this story. I couldn't help but think that it would have been ten times more believable if the characters were in their senior year of college rather than a senior in high school and a college sophomore. The story was somewhat "compelling" meaning I skimmed wildly (after the first quarter) to find out who the soppy heroine picked in the end then huffed in disgust at myself for staying up late and at the heroine because SERIOUSLY and vowed not to read N/A ever again... until next time.
September 30, 2018
3 stars
I really enjoyed this book up to the point when I realised where the author was going with it and unfortunately that was not the way I hoped the story would go.
I would still read more by Megan though as I thought the book was very well written and it was a great story even though it wasn't what I hoped it would be.
I really enjoyed this book up to the point when I realised where the author was going with it and unfortunately that was not the way I hoped the story would go.
I would still read more by Megan though as I thought the book was very well written and it was a great story even though it wasn't what I hoped it would be.
December 4, 2018
After the Sky Fell Down made me cry in the beginning. It was very good, but got annoying real quick when the characters lost someone. Kathryn kept reminding me that her life was never going to be the same. Through the entire book. It was overkill. I got it when I read about the loss. But, aside from that, I did enjoy reading the book.
December 22, 2017
Heartfelt Romance
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Eventful and true to life. Author has a great talent of keeping the reader involved and finding time to keep reading deep into the night. I am looking forward to reading her other books. Thank you Megan, you did a great job!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Eventful and true to life. Author has a great talent of keeping the reader involved and finding time to keep reading deep into the night. I am looking forward to reading her other books. Thank you Megan, you did a great job!
October 14, 2019
After the Sky Fell Down
This was a good book. I really enjoyed reading Kathryns journey of loss and love. My only complaint is it was so so long. I think 400 pages was a little much.
This was a good book. I really enjoyed reading Kathryns journey of loss and love. My only complaint is it was so so long. I think 400 pages was a little much.
May 8, 2017
Love it!
Good story Relatable for anyone who has been in this situation. Love how the author put so much feeling into the story !
Good story Relatable for anyone who has been in this situation. Love how the author put so much feeling into the story !
September 14, 2017
Wow...what a ride
This made me cry at time, smile, I hurt for Kate and so glad for the ending. Was a great read! Did not want to put down
This made me cry at time, smile, I hurt for Kate and so glad for the ending. Was a great read! Did not want to put down
February 18, 2019
A two box tissue read
A very heart rendering story. So sad and finally a happily ever after. A story for hope and faith that hearts can heal.
A very heart rendering story. So sad and finally a happily ever after. A story for hope and faith that hearts can heal.
September 10, 2019
Terrific story
What an emotional story. The characters were very real and enjoyable. It was difficult to put down and exciting to read. Highly recommend.
What an emotional story. The characters were very real and enjoyable. It was difficult to put down and exciting to read. Highly recommend.
May 28, 2015
Oh, my! That wasn't a book I would have seen myself reading. But somehow the author drew me in. And even when I wanted to stop reading during some boring or overly angsty part, I just couldn't leave this poor widow and her life.
BIG WARNING: Get the Kleenex ready from the very start of the book. What I found interesting was how well Megan Nugen Isbell wrote all the feelings of a grieving person. She was able to capture how just the slightest thing could pull the sadness out, even on the most delightful of occurrences. Over and over I found myself wondering about the depth of the author, what she must have been through herself to find the depth she was able to put into words.
As the main character tries to pull her life back, love seems to propel her into other relationships. A baby, the deceased brother, and soon, a chance at life apart from the past. It was so honest and painful to watch what this poor young woman had to go through. I know it happens every day. We forget that even young people can have deep losses. It is hard enough to deal as an older adult but imagine when you are still young and have all those hormones running through you.
I know, I know, this is the very thing I get mad at in the Young Adult books, but somehow, this is different. This is written with pure heart. Motivations for life seem undiluted by appearances and overt sensuality. If there is romance, it seems to come in more gentle forms, holistic in nature. Geez, I am doing a poor job reviewing this. I would have given it five stars, but I have to admit to being bored with the angst on occasion. Not the grief. It felt natural. Just jealousy. I always find the green monster boring. Not that it doesn't exist, but that too much is made of it when there are other deeper feelings to understand. Insecurity and fear cause jealousy. Anger because he catches her kissing someone else drives me crazy. But the author doesn't dive into that too much and when she did she pulled out before I had the chance to throw the book aside and find something else to read.
If you feel the need for a good cry, this is the book for you. If you don't want to cry, find another book for now. I loved the bittersweetness of the whole thing.
BIG WARNING: Get the Kleenex ready from the very start of the book. What I found interesting was how well Megan Nugen Isbell wrote all the feelings of a grieving person. She was able to capture how just the slightest thing could pull the sadness out, even on the most delightful of occurrences. Over and over I found myself wondering about the depth of the author, what she must have been through herself to find the depth she was able to put into words.
As the main character tries to pull her life back, love seems to propel her into other relationships. A baby, the deceased brother, and soon, a chance at life apart from the past. It was so honest and painful to watch what this poor young woman had to go through. I know it happens every day. We forget that even young people can have deep losses. It is hard enough to deal as an older adult but imagine when you are still young and have all those hormones running through you.
I know, I know, this is the very thing I get mad at in the Young Adult books, but somehow, this is different. This is written with pure heart. Motivations for life seem undiluted by appearances and overt sensuality. If there is romance, it seems to come in more gentle forms, holistic in nature. Geez, I am doing a poor job reviewing this. I would have given it five stars, but I have to admit to being bored with the angst on occasion. Not the grief. It felt natural. Just jealousy. I always find the green monster boring. Not that it doesn't exist, but that too much is made of it when there are other deeper feelings to understand. Insecurity and fear cause jealousy. Anger because he catches her kissing someone else drives me crazy. But the author doesn't dive into that too much and when she did she pulled out before I had the chance to throw the book aside and find something else to read.
If you feel the need for a good cry, this is the book for you. If you don't want to cry, find another book for now. I loved the bittersweetness of the whole thing.
January 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It may not have been the happiest of books but, I liked the fact that it potrayed some really deep emotions. There are plenty of books out there that have people pass and the character is heartbroken but the book always seems to pass over that part of the characters life. Skipping to months even years ahead, but this books brings you into that tragic time. Especially someone so young to believe that they are so in love at that moment in their life. Instead of having the chance to find out in this life if their love is real or if its just a teenage thing, that option, that chance is taken away, and in its place is now a hole filled with questions and what would have beens. This book takes you through a true showing of what happens when tragedy strikes a person. Any person, young, old, family, lovers, friends. Of course there are many other stories of people who overcome tragedies faster and better, but I believe that this book is for the few that may find it difficult to move on, to let go. Because in the end it is never going to feel like this is how it is supposed to be or this is how it was supposed to happen. Also the healing processes different for everyone some take years to heal while others never do. That's why I like this book. There are no hold backs on the emotional boundaries, there is no sugar coating. The characters are raw and exposed, and it makes me love them for it. If you get depressed real easily and it's hard for you to separate yourself from books that are really emotionally cutting than I don't suggest this book, but if you are looking for a book that helps you to embrace and have compassion on those who are suffering from tragedy or you want a book that understands in a tragedy you maybe walking through right now and you can handle all the emotions that come with this book then I say read it. I wasn't dissappointed at all.
May 11, 2015
Two Words.... UGLY CRY. But it was so worth the cry, puffy eyes, and dark circles! After the Sky Fell Down was an amazing read that I can't possibly say enough wonderful things about. This story moved me and had me page turning until the very end. ATSFD is a story about love, loss, moving forward, and finding love again. Kathryn was lucky. She met the love of her life Ben in high school. There love was one for the ages. Everything perfect in every way, almost as if they were cut from the same stone intended to be one forever. Tragedy strikes leaving Kathryn alone. Ben's younger brother, Luke is the only person who understands Kathryn and her needs, her thoughts, and can help her cope. Luke steps in and does what he feels his brother would want and takes care of Kathryn no questions asked, until Kathryn meets Jace. Jace is another stand up guy that helps Kathryn move forward for the first time in years. But in moving forward, it changes the dynamics for her and Luke. This is a very interesting love square, not triangle. Kathryn is still very much in love with Ben. Her fight to move forward with Jace and her feelings for Luke are complicated by her idolized love of Ben. At times, I rooted for each of the men in Kathryn's life for totally different reasons. It was hard for me to choose one over the other, which in turn, made me identify more with Kathryn. Because of this you range through the emotions along with Kathryn. According to the author's note, this was her "side" job and a path to see if she could achieve it. All I can say is amazing job. If I had to compare these books, it would be similar to those of Nicolas Sparks. This would make an amazing movie and was a job well done. Quit your day job Megan! I want to hear more from you!
February 16, 2017
Just too sad and repetitive.
August 30, 2016
I did enjoy this book. It was a little dark at times and seemed to drag on a bit in certain parts but i understand why it was written that way. I did enjoy it.
Favorite quotes and/or moments from the story:
"Be good to each other. Cherish each other. Never take each other for granted," she said seriously.
"We will, Grandma," Ben said with a smile.
"This is not a joke, Benny. I mean it. You were lucky enough to find each other and I want you both to be happy. I want you to appreciate your time together."
She thought it strange how you can spend so much time with someone and think you've said everything you needed to, but when there is no more time left there are still a million things to say. The agony ripped through her like a knife as she realized that those opportunities were lost forever and she had realized it too late.
"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean."
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
The past is the past. You can't change anything. All you can do is try and be happy.
Never take anyone for granted, always tell those people you care about what they mean to you and don't live in the past.
Favorite quotes and/or moments from the story:
"Be good to each other. Cherish each other. Never take each other for granted," she said seriously.
"We will, Grandma," Ben said with a smile.
"This is not a joke, Benny. I mean it. You were lucky enough to find each other and I want you both to be happy. I want you to appreciate your time together."
She thought it strange how you can spend so much time with someone and think you've said everything you needed to, but when there is no more time left there are still a million things to say. The agony ripped through her like a knife as she realized that those opportunities were lost forever and she had realized it too late.
"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean."
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.
The past is the past. You can't change anything. All you can do is try and be happy.
Never take anyone for granted, always tell those people you care about what they mean to you and don't live in the past.
June 20, 2013
I enjoyed this story. I was stuck between 3 and 4 stars, it just took such a long time to get where I wanted it to that couldn't give it more than 3. It broke my heart at the beginning. I connected with the main character Kathryn, I have read many variations of this storyline but never seem to connect with the character saying "I can't do this" I thought it was because I wasn't in that situation but I totally understood Kathryn's feelings. Although saying that now that I have thought about that and come to my senses I'm going to upgrade this to 4 stars.
March 17, 2014
2:36 am & not a dry eye in sight
This was an amazing read. The topics and situations Kathryn found herself in were extremely emotional, difficult, but so very raw and sincere. I found myself sobbing hysterically throughout the whole book, truly feeling the pain, heartbreak and confusion she experienced. I empathize with the Kathryn, and her sadness felt so real. All of her emotions did. At first I found the romance situation so difficult to accept, but this book challenged me to look at the big picture and not conform to what society deems as "not normal". There is no agenda and schedule when it comes to love. People find it in many different ways and I learned to accept every kind of way along with Kathryn. This book was an experience and I feel like I have taken so much away from it. I have definitely expanded my horizons and opened up my mind.
This was an amazing read. The topics and situations Kathryn found herself in were extremely emotional, difficult, but so very raw and sincere. I found myself sobbing hysterically throughout the whole book, truly feeling the pain, heartbreak and confusion she experienced. I empathize with the Kathryn, and her sadness felt so real. All of her emotions did. At first I found the romance situation so difficult to accept, but this book challenged me to look at the big picture and not conform to what society deems as "not normal". There is no agenda and schedule when it comes to love. People find it in many different ways and I learned to accept every kind of way along with Kathryn. This book was an experience and I feel like I have taken so much away from it. I have definitely expanded my horizons and opened up my mind.
January 15, 2014
This book will have you crying very early on in the story. There were some grammatical/formatting errors and typos, but if you take the time to read "A Note From the Author" at the end then you would have seen the explanation and apology. Some people didn't like this book because they didn't like the way Kathryn grieved, but everyone grieves in their own way (which also depends a lot on who they are grieving for) and this was the way the author chose to have Kathryn grieve. I think it was very accurate. No one can put a time frame on grieving and tell you it is time to move on - you have to make that decision on your own, and even then you never really move on you just learn to cope better. I felt the author did a good job taking us through Kathryn's thoughts and grieving time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews