After the Fall: A Novel

by Ryan M. Phillips

How Do You Reach for the Stars When You've Fallen so Far All You Can See is Darkness? Abigail Walker and Jarvis Daniels, longtime sweethearts, are beginning to find themselves worlds apart. Abby, an aspiring cellist, wants out of her humble Detroit surroundings and is more than willing to shed blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen. Jarvis, on the other hand, is perfectly content with his life. He's got everything a man could want, including the love of a good woman. A twist of fate turns their worlds upside down when the couple is involved in a near-fatal car accident. Broken, stripped, and broken again, they stumble through a journey of healing and self-discovery while struggling to accept the merciful hand of the only One who can help them after a fall. After the Fall is the story of two people- one fleeing the world into which she was born, the other embracing it- bound together by the threads of fate. Will they discover the dreams awaiting them, or will they tear each another apart in a desperate bid to find fulfillment on their own terms?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Ryan M. Phillips lives in Orlando, Florida. She is the communications specialist for The Ephraim Project, Inc. and the author of three previous novels: Saving Grace, After the Fall, and Fall from Grace. Ryan is currently working on her fifth novel while pursuing a Master of Arts degree in English.

Reviews

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what makes this book one of my ultimate favorite reads is the beautifully depicted truth of how all actions have consequences. I loved most how Ryan’s story showcased 2 alternate realities when hit with a roadblock in life: either make the most of your situation or, wallow in your self-pity.

This book was a recommendation to me during a difficult time in my life and there was something truly inspiring about the characters. Both characters are shown to be non-Christian at the beginning of the book and yet, once tragedy strikes and they hit their rock-bottom and ‘fall from their pedestals,’ both find their own way at rising up. What is truly inspiring and challenging about Ryan’s story is the representation of what life After a fall can be like when taking either the figurative ‘narrow’ path or the ‘wide’ path.

The book, though filled with Christian themes, is written so subtly and realistically that it’s easy to even forget your reading a Christian novel and yet; and the end of the book you’re sitting there thinking: God I need you in my life.

If you’ve had your own fall and you’ve reached your own “rock-bottom”, I truly recommend giving this novel a read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flipping chapter by chapter from Abby to Jay - a tragic accident sees they moving apart to find new lives - Christian theme but not pushy

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abigail (Abby) Walker and Jarvis Daniels spent months apart because of Abigail’s music career. Whenever Abby decided to step away from her fabulous life in Chicago and return home to Detroit for a visit, she and Jarvis would end up in each other’s arms as if they’ve never been apart. Jarvis wanted more, but Abby was fine with their “friends with benefits” arrangement. When she made her feelings known to Jarvis, he reacted in a way that drastically changed both of their lives.
What happened to Abby and Jarvis was sad and also a bit disturbing. I wasn’t sure I wanted to read any more after the second chapter, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone, so I could find out how the lives of these two people turned out. The story was touching, funny at times (loved Abby’s spunk) and inspiring.

[Ibyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ryan Phillips 3rd novel, but it does not have the same characters as the other two. It has a completely different plot. The beginning of the novel provides a real shocker. I thought the characters would be downhill or nonexistent from the beginning. I actually wasn't sure if I would love this book as much as I loved the other two. The characters and plot were so different from the other two books.I am glad I continued reading, because I did enjoy this novel as well. The issues faced were real yet so different. This novel showed the versatility of Ryan Phillips' writing. She doesn't just write one type of plot; she expands to cover a multitude of issues. I recommend this book for anyone interested in delving into good christian fiction that's a page turner.

[Lanie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

After The Fall is a phenomenal book. The characters within the story are very easy to relate too. The personalities and difficulties the main characters experience will make you reevaluate oneself and your view of the life most people take advantage of.This book inspires you to be a better person and realize a greater being. I would recommend anyone to read it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

That God has a purpose and a plan for all of our lives. Through all the hurt and pain there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! I couldn't put it down. It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster but definitely a great read!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars to me