What do you think?
Falling Through Shooting Stars
Julia Riley thinks she’s happy. The executive director of Boston’s Fledger Foundation, she and her wife, Carrie, are raising three children, one from Julia’s first marriage…but being content is not the same as being happy.
Katie Brennan is the popular host of a network television morning show. She has two children and a husband who plays major-league baseball. Rumors of her husband’s infidelity are troubling, but she knows how often the media reports innuendo and half-truths instead of facts.
When the two women collaborate on a fundraising program for a new diversity center, they immediately strike up a friendship, one that only grows stronger when Katie discovers her husband has indeed been unfaithful.
As Katie’s marriage fails, she realizes she is intensely attracted to her friend. Surprised by her own feelings, Katie distances herself from Julia, straining their relationship.
For her part, Julia needs time to heal the wounds of her marriage. She’s not sure Katie will accept a romantic relationship, however, a doubt that gives her pause.
Before either woman can move on, they need to find and accept themselves. Love might feel like falling through shooting stars, but sometimes it takes time for the stars to fall.
Katie Brennan is the popular host of a network television morning show. She has two children and a husband who plays major-league baseball. Rumors of her husband’s infidelity are troubling, but she knows how often the media reports innuendo and half-truths instead of facts.
When the two women collaborate on a fundraising program for a new diversity center, they immediately strike up a friendship, one that only grows stronger when Katie discovers her husband has indeed been unfaithful.
As Katie’s marriage fails, she realizes she is intensely attracted to her friend. Surprised by her own feelings, Katie distances herself from Julia, straining their relationship.
For her part, Julia needs time to heal the wounds of her marriage. She’s not sure Katie will accept a romantic relationship, however, a doubt that gives her pause.
Before either woman can move on, they need to find and accept themselves. Love might feel like falling through shooting stars, but sometimes it takes time for the stars to fall.
274 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2015
About the author
Nancy Ann Healy
15 books298 followersNancy Ann Healy is a woman of many talents and interests. She has worked as everything from a bookstore manager to a standup comedian, and she enjoys movies, theater, and karaoke in her free time. Healy is happily married to her wife, Melissa. Together they have a son, Chris, and two dogs, Maggie and Sydney Bristow. The family currently lives in Connecticut, where Healy is completing her studies in social justice through Arizona State University and working on her second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 11, 2018
My first by Ms.Healy, this was a slow burn romance with a heavy dosage of family drama as the hs had exes and kids from their previous marriages.
The blurb said it all but the journey that took the hs to couplehood was quite long. They each had personal and career issues to deal with first. When everything came under control, their besties, exes and kids helped them to turn their feelings/attractions from hope to a reality.
A special shout out to Carrie, Julia's ex. That woman was a saint with a capital letter S!
It was great to see her getting her HEA too and earlier than Julia's.
One of my favorite scenes from the book, a conversation between Katie and her soon to be airhead husband.
"But, if what you are worried about is my sleeping with someone else, you can put your mind at ease. If I had such an inclination, I would either walk away from it or I would walk away from you first," she said assuredly.
People in relationships, please take note ♥️
The blurb said it all but the journey that took the hs to couplehood was quite long. They each had personal and career issues to deal with first. When everything came under control, their besties, exes and kids helped them to turn their feelings/attractions from hope to a reality.
A special shout out to Carrie, Julia's ex. That woman was a saint with a capital letter S!
It was great to see her getting her HEA too and earlier than Julia's.
One of my favorite scenes from the book, a conversation between Katie and her soon to be airhead husband.
"But, if what you are worried about is my sleeping with someone else, you can put your mind at ease. If I had such an inclination, I would either walk away from it or I would walk away from you first," she said assuredly.
People in relationships, please take note ♥️
March 30, 2015
Took me a while to finish this. The first part of the book didn't sit well with me, so I had to put it down for a while. Maybe it's my hopeless romantic side that doesn't like to see people fall out of love, especially a marriage with children. The rest of the book was decent, Julia and Katie have a good chemistry and it was nice to see Julia and Carrie staying civil with each other. I feel like Julie and Katie tiptoed around the relationship too long, to the point of wanting to yell, "Get on with it!" Overall a decent read, but I prefer her other books.
April 12, 2020
I love this book. You walk beside Julia, Katie and Carrie as their lives evolve and interconnect. It brings to mind lyrics from a Holly Near song about how woven together women’s lives become. We see an amicable divorce, new love and friendship turning into love. As well we are witness to the blending of families through the ugly to the good. Not every breakup of 15 years can end as well as this one did but it shows how it can be done with honest conversations, expression of deep emotions and a respect for each other. Long live lesbian drama.
September 4, 2022
One of the most profound books I've read this year. I just loved the way Healy painted this characters emotions, very colorful, complex characters and not just the main ones. Got wrapped up in this story it from beginning to end. 5 stars!
January 14, 2016
The beginning of this book was hard for me. I didn't like the marriage fail, and with kids in this case. But all characters were wonderful, and the story ended being a beautiful true love story.
March 3, 2015
A lot to take in
I finished this awhile ago but didn't get a chance to review,it was a lot to take in. I can't describe what was going on unless I give away spoilers but other than that I would still recommend it.
I finished this awhile ago but didn't get a chance to review,it was a lot to take in. I can't describe what was going on unless I give away spoilers but other than that I would still recommend it.
October 29, 2018
Stunning
It's a tricky thing to write a story about two married women falling in love with each other without either of the protagonists coming across as cheating on their spouse. While this story isn't entirely free of infidelity, it is not the leading ladies responsible for said issues. Instead, we are treated to some of the finest examples of adult behavior I have ever read... So much so that I wonder if this beautiful story isn't a fantasy instead of realistic fiction, but I say that mostly in jest.
The character development in this book is tremendous! The progression of the relationship between Katie and Julia as they face various crises over the course of the first few years after they first meet is amazingly well written. It vacillates between sweet, funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. The character of Carrie, Julia's wife at the beginning of the story, is a fantastic character as well, as is Jake, Julia's eldest child.
The story has an epic feel to it, as if it were part of a larger whole (though I know it isn't) yet feels entirely complete at the same time. Highly Recommended!
It's a tricky thing to write a story about two married women falling in love with each other without either of the protagonists coming across as cheating on their spouse. While this story isn't entirely free of infidelity, it is not the leading ladies responsible for said issues. Instead, we are treated to some of the finest examples of adult behavior I have ever read... So much so that I wonder if this beautiful story isn't a fantasy instead of realistic fiction, but I say that mostly in jest.
The character development in this book is tremendous! The progression of the relationship between Katie and Julia as they face various crises over the course of the first few years after they first meet is amazingly well written. It vacillates between sweet, funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. The character of Carrie, Julia's wife at the beginning of the story, is a fantastic character as well, as is Jake, Julia's eldest child.
The story has an epic feel to it, as if it were part of a larger whole (though I know it isn't) yet feels entirely complete at the same time. Highly Recommended!
Did Not Finish
July 4, 2020Gave up - I am sure this book is fine, but I just can't with the one lesbian couple that gets divorced. The MCs soon-to-be ex was such a sweetheart and knowing it was going to end....:( My romantic heart just couldn't take it. How am I supposed to be rooting for this MC that is about to break this perfectly lovely woman's heart? Am I wimp? maybe.
July 11, 2017
I tried but I couldn't finish the book. I figure one needs more patience to get through the slow pace at the beginning. Since the couple Julia and Care are introduced to be almost perfect together, I can't imagine there is a good enough reason for them to tear apart. To think that Julia once divorced with a man, then has a happy marriage with a wonderful woman, and if she is going to end up with second divource without any fault comes from any of them, I can't help but to believe either she didn't take marriage seriously in general, or she is not mature enough make a life decision and commit to it. No need to read more, I already envision there is no guarantee for this coming relationship to last without failure like the previous two. This book is not for me.
Since I couldn't really finish the book, I can't neither rate it with 5 stars, but I don't want to rate it badly for I'm not sure myself it's that bad when I didn't read thoroughly to the End. This is why I keep them with 4 stars.
Since I couldn't really finish the book, I can't neither rate it with 5 stars, but I don't want to rate it badly for I'm not sure myself it's that bad when I didn't read thoroughly to the End. This is why I keep them with 4 stars.
November 29, 2020
This book is a journey
There are so many parts to this story its well written and fleshed out but it also didn't hit home for me. I understand Julia decision sometimes we think we've found home and someone comes along and changes your perspective entirely so she uprooted her life and made some changes I can respect that.
Katie faced major trauma and some honest truths that leads to serious decisions and lifestyle changes both women on different paths both leading in the same direction; they do a great job at blending families coping with ex's and continuous love and support my biggest problem is that these women didn't get together until the end of the book which didn't give us much of their story together and that's what I was here for and I got everything in between but that one chapter and an epilogue just isn't enough. I however still gave this four stars for everything else
There are so many parts to this story its well written and fleshed out but it also didn't hit home for me. I understand Julia decision sometimes we think we've found home and someone comes along and changes your perspective entirely so she uprooted her life and made some changes I can respect that.
Katie faced major trauma and some honest truths that leads to serious decisions and lifestyle changes both women on different paths both leading in the same direction; they do a great job at blending families coping with ex's and continuous love and support my biggest problem is that these women didn't get together until the end of the book which didn't give us much of their story together and that's what I was here for and I got everything in between but that one chapter and an epilogue just isn't enough. I however still gave this four stars for everything else
October 21, 2021
Wow! What A Story!
First, I realized that this book is from 2015. Second, recently it took me a bit to realize JA Armstrong and Nancy Healy are the same person. I am still reeling from that… ok so this book. What a story! I had so many mixed feelings with this book. It ran from good to surprise to sad to happy to shocking. I loved Carrie and Julia together. I loved the friendship with Julia and Katie. Of course we all need a person we can get through the tough times with. Julia had Carrie and Katie has Julia. In the end no one has Carrie. After a accident and scandal hits Katie’s life thanks to her husband, Julia steps up to the plate for her. Until their friendship plays with a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Katie pulls back and the aftermath unravels two families. This was so good yet it was so sad. I don’t think I have read a book that has spiked so many different feelings. This was my second book from Nancy Ann Healy and it was so so good.
First, I realized that this book is from 2015. Second, recently it took me a bit to realize JA Armstrong and Nancy Healy are the same person. I am still reeling from that… ok so this book. What a story! I had so many mixed feelings with this book. It ran from good to surprise to sad to happy to shocking. I loved Carrie and Julia together. I loved the friendship with Julia and Katie. Of course we all need a person we can get through the tough times with. Julia had Carrie and Katie has Julia. In the end no one has Carrie. After a accident and scandal hits Katie’s life thanks to her husband, Julia steps up to the plate for her. Until their friendship plays with a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Katie pulls back and the aftermath unravels two families. This was so good yet it was so sad. I don’t think I have read a book that has spiked so many different feelings. This was my second book from Nancy Ann Healy and it was so so good.
June 4, 2018
A beautiful, mature story of LOVE!
Told with humor and sensitivity, Falling Through Shooting Stars is a compelling love story on so many levels: love for your husband/wife, love for your children and love for your family/friends. And the way Nancy Ann Healy wrote the connection of the exes as an integral part of this umbrella love story was so beautiful. If only this happened more often in real life. Throughout the book, I found myself angry, laughing, crying and sighing. That's how powerful it is. What a masterful storyteller Ms. Healy is! Whether she writes as Nancy or JA Armstrong, she has become one of my new favorite authors.
As a straight, older woman, I heartily recommend this book to all women. It is truly written with sincere emotion and depth. I wish I could give this book 10*s!!!
Told with humor and sensitivity, Falling Through Shooting Stars is a compelling love story on so many levels: love for your husband/wife, love for your children and love for your family/friends. And the way Nancy Ann Healy wrote the connection of the exes as an integral part of this umbrella love story was so beautiful. If only this happened more often in real life. Throughout the book, I found myself angry, laughing, crying and sighing. That's how powerful it is. What a masterful storyteller Ms. Healy is! Whether she writes as Nancy or JA Armstrong, she has become one of my new favorite authors.
As a straight, older woman, I heartily recommend this book to all women. It is truly written with sincere emotion and depth. I wish I could give this book 10*s!!!
October 5, 2020
Right, this book felt like the author was trying to make a person having a midlife crisis leave their family because they are bored look good. This is the second book I have read from this writer and it seems, with all her books there are recurring themes
-Had a child with an ex- but they remained the best of friends when she realised she likes women.
-Everyone is okay with everything that happens no matter how bad it is, they just move on and love each other.
It feels unrealistic and it feels like the author tries to justify behaviours people wouldn’t support in real life.
-Had a child with an ex- but they remained the best of friends when she realised she likes women.
-Everyone is okay with everything that happens no matter how bad it is, they just move on and love each other.
It feels unrealistic and it feels like the author tries to justify behaviours people wouldn’t support in real life.
June 9, 2018
Fantastic!
This is a very well written tale with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. It encompasses a tale about finding that one true love in your life, and being afraid to pursue. Fear of change, fear of rejection, and fear of loss all conspire to keep us from our dreams. But we all deserve to fall through shooting stars. Put this book on your must-read list!
This is a very well written tale with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. It encompasses a tale about finding that one true love in your life, and being afraid to pursue. Fear of change, fear of rejection, and fear of loss all conspire to keep us from our dreams. But we all deserve to fall through shooting stars. Put this book on your must-read list!
July 8, 2022
Excellent Story
True love...the kind that grabs you by the heart and twists you up in knots, is rock solid strong and incredibly fragile. It defies explanation and is so very simple all at the same time.
Nancy Ann Healy has written a beautiful story that made me want to shake Katie and Julia sometimes but I do believe that Julia was right... life and love happens when it truly needs to. Very well written and well done! This story will linger in my heart for a very long time.
True love...the kind that grabs you by the heart and twists you up in knots, is rock solid strong and incredibly fragile. It defies explanation and is so very simple all at the same time.
Nancy Ann Healy has written a beautiful story that made me want to shake Katie and Julia sometimes but I do believe that Julia was right... life and love happens when it truly needs to. Very well written and well done! This story will linger in my heart for a very long time.
December 13, 2022
Finding The One
Julia thinks she’s found her HEA with Carrie, her three children and her job. Katie Brennan is the popular tv host of a morning show who is married to a Major League Baseball player not known for fidelity. When Katie is guest speaker at a fundraiser Julia is driving her to lunch when a seven car crash injures Katie’s husband and the woman in the car. A story of hurt, healing, growth and family. Great author.
Julia thinks she’s found her HEA with Carrie, her three children and her job. Katie Brennan is the popular tv host of a morning show who is married to a Major League Baseball player not known for fidelity. When Katie is guest speaker at a fundraiser Julia is driving her to lunch when a seven car crash injures Katie’s husband and the woman in the car. A story of hurt, healing, growth and family. Great author.
January 6, 2020
The beginning of this book may bother some people but it is life. Not every thing is happily-ever-after and being content is not the same as happy. That said, I thought it was an amazing book. The characters were real as were their emotions. This is something Healy is amazing at, creating emotionally complex characters. I have read many of her books and have yet to be disappointed.
February 28, 2020
A love story of a lifetime
Moments are shared, life is a roller coaster, Julia and Katie they are learning and navigating lives twistt and turns. Read about it, your heart will ride with them on the their journey. Not always easy, but things happen for a reason and you are where you need to be.👍
Moments are shared, life is a roller coaster, Julia and Katie they are learning and navigating lives twistt and turns. Read about it, your heart will ride with them on the their journey. Not always easy, but things happen for a reason and you are where you need to be.👍
March 21, 2020
First, on occasion, this book makes use of multiple semi-colons in the same sentence, and that just makes me happy.
This is potentially an emotionally heavy book. It has storylines/tropes(?)/threads that I tend to not give any attention to (and I'm not going to narrow that down more specifically for anybody) because I don't usually enjoy them. I greatly enjoyed this book.
One odd thing though is that as I was reading, I kept thinking I'd read it before, but if I had, it would have gotten logged on here and it wasn't. Does anyone know of a book this is similar to? I had such a intense yet surface level familiarity with this book that it almost drove me crazy. And since this is far outside of what I normally read, it's not like I should be having this hard of a time placing the storyline. Was this potentially a fanfic‽
This is potentially an emotionally heavy book. It has storylines/tropes(?)/threads that I tend to not give any attention to (and I'm not going to narrow that down more specifically for anybody) because I don't usually enjoy them. I greatly enjoyed this book.
One odd thing though is that as I was reading, I kept thinking I'd read it before, but if I had, it would have gotten logged on here and it wasn't. Does anyone know of a book this is similar to? I had such a intense yet surface level familiarity with this book that it almost drove me crazy. And since this is far outside of what I normally read, it's not like I should be having this hard of a time placing the storyline. Was this potentially a fanfic‽
July 8, 2022
Realistic book dealing with every day problems.
This book was a nonstop reading for me. Nancy kept us guessing about and in complete suspense about these women relationships. I love how the book ended. Falling Through Shooting Stars touched on life realities. Worth reading so you can draw your own conclusions. Thank you Nancy. 😊
This book was a nonstop reading for me. Nancy kept us guessing about and in complete suspense about these women relationships. I love how the book ended. Falling Through Shooting Stars touched on life realities. Worth reading so you can draw your own conclusions. Thank you Nancy. 😊
July 2, 2018
Another great book, by a fabulous author
This is a brilliant standalone novel. I love the way these two women meet and fall in love. They are both frightened to make the jump. So true to life.
This is a brilliant standalone novel. I love the way these two women meet and fall in love. They are both frightened to make the jump. So true to life.
January 22, 2019
🎆🎇SENTIMENTAL🎇🎆
Like sharing in both woman's life . Experiencing their highs and lows✨ I would encourage anyone that reads the background information on this to give yourself a treat and read the whole book ✨🌠🌟🎆🎇
Like sharing in both woman's life . Experiencing their highs and lows✨ I would encourage anyone that reads the background information on this to give yourself a treat and read the whole book ✨🌠🌟🎆🎇
March 23, 2019
A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
I loved this story whether it is man and woman or like in this story woman with woman . The way they connect was something more rare than any person can ever expect to experience .
I loved this story whether it is man and woman or like in this story woman with woman . The way they connect was something more rare than any person can ever expect to experience .
September 10, 2019
Wow, I cried!
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I love all your books.
Nancy you are an exceptional writer and this one had me crying, laughing, crying again and outwardly rooting for Katie and Julia to get together.
What a rollercoaster of emotions! I love all your books.
Nancy you are an exceptional writer and this one had me crying, laughing, crying again and outwardly rooting for Katie and Julia to get together.
January 10, 2025
The time it took to read this tells its own story. Nancy Healy seems to be able to make me cry frequently and copiously in the best possible way and this was no different. A truly delightful romance.
August 16, 2018
3.5 stars ...but well writen to make a multiple divorcee look good
September 4, 2018
Simple review.
This will be a simple review. Utter perfection. That is all I can say. More stories like this, please! Cheers!
This will be a simple review. Utter perfection. That is all I can say. More stories like this, please! Cheers!
April 14, 2019
This book is phenomenal!
This book really truly is phenomenal. It is one of my all-time favorite books, and definitely my favorite book by this author.
This book really truly is phenomenal. It is one of my all-time favorite books, and definitely my favorite book by this author.
May 26, 2019
So amazing!
I found a new favorite author. This is a very slow burn type of book but if you are patient it is week worth the ride❤️
I found a new favorite author. This is a very slow burn type of book but if you are patient it is week worth the ride❤️
July 20, 2019
The book moved at a really slow pace but it was a good story. By the end I was thinking “It’s about damn time!”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews