Hello, all! I’m so excited about today’s review! Not only is Oh, the Fallen the first book in a series, but it’s also a debut novel by a friend of mine. 🙂 Anyway, I read an ARC copy of this story earlier this month and will be sharing my review today. Oh, and there’s also a giveaway, so be sure to stick around for that part. 😉

Okay, let’s get started!

Title: Oh, The Fallen
Series: Oh, The Brave
Genre: Christian fiction, military, romance
Release Date: Memorial Day, May 31st, 2021

Synopsis

In the cause of freedom, some will give their all.

When Matt Renicker joins the Army, he’s determined to give his best for his country and his Lord, even if it means risking everything he loves most. But when tragedy strikes on a routine patrol, more than one heart is left shattered and lamenting.

In the wake of a terrible loss, will those left behind find the strength to go on? Or will the faith, family, and freedom Matt fought to preserve be broken beyond repair?

Follow/contact links:
Amazon || Blog || Goodreads || Bookbub || MeWe || Facebook || Pinterest || Newsletter
Email: abigailkayharris@gmail.com

My Review

*I received an eBook copy of Oh, the Fallen in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.*

This book was not what I expected. Having read the synopsis, I thought I knew the storyline. I thought I knew just what to expect. Well, I didn’t. This isn’t a feel-good story. It’s a moving, heartbreaking story, and it made me want to cry. I wouldn’t say the plot is anything overly complicated or even very unique, but it was well done. There were definitely some parts I was not expecting, and the ending left me wanting to read the next book in the series.

There wasn’t a huge cast of characters, but for some reason, I was getting them mixed up a bit at the beginning. (I was able to sort it out, though.) Honestly, I loved all of the characters. I want to read more about all of them and get to know them better – Frisco, Zane, Danny, Phillip, Sean, Burns – all of them. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series.

One thing I really loved was how the same scene was shared from multiple different viewpoints. Not only did this help me keep track of who was who, but I also was able to connect with the characters way better. Abigail did a great job writing this story!

I should probably note, though, that there was some anger/slight violence throughout the story as well as some drinking/drunkenness, but it is certainly not condoned. And while there is romance in this story, it is very light and completely innocent. Personally, I was fine with it even though I’m not a romance-lover.

Honestly, I can’t think of anything to majorly critique about this book. I was getting the characters mixed up a bit at the beginning, but that’s normal for me when I’m reading a book for the first time. The romance didn’t exactly follow my personal courtship standards, but it was entirely clean. Also, if I get to be nitpicky, the acknowledgements were at the end while I prefer them at the beginning. But that’s totally just a personal preference thing!

So, yes, I highly recommend this novella! It is sad, but it is moving.

You can find the book here:
Goodreads || Amazon

Giveaway

Also, there’s an epic giveaway for Oh, the Fallen going on right now! It is open to US residents, ages 18+ or those who have parent’s permission, and there are some awesome prizes! Just take a look at them:

Grand prize includes:

• A silver star necklace
• A key chain with the cover
• A paperback of Oh, The Fallen
• Sticker
• Bookmark
• eBook of Oh, The Lamented upon release!!!

First prize:
● A paperback of OTF
● eBook of Oh, The Lamented upon release!!!

Second prize:
● eBook of Oh, The Fallen
● eBook of Oh, The Lamented upon release!!!

If this looks like fun, you can enter the giveaway here:

ENTER GIVEAWAY!!

Also, I am not the only one to read and review this novel. Be sure to check out the other blog tour stops for reviews, interviews, and more! The author is sharing some fun and interesting book stats, character intros, etc. over on her blog, as well, so I highly recommend checking that out here.

Blog Tour Schedule:

MAY 27th
Jaybird Summers | Shelf Control: Interview

MAY 28th
Madeline Clouse | Simply Madeline Eve: Review
Natalie Claire | Kenmore Pines: Review
A.M. Heath | Author A.M. Heath: Spotlight

MAY 29th
Anna Grace | Anna’s Ideas: Interview

MAY 30th
Gina Holder | Gina Holder, Author and Blogger: Interview

MAY 31st
Esther Jackson | : Review and Interview
Ryana Lynn Peterson | Life of Heritage: Review and Guest Post
Grace A. Johnson | Gabbing with Grace: Interview and Review

JUNE 1st
Rachel Rossano | Rachel Rossano’s Words: Interview
Kelly Barr | Kelly F. Barr: Interview

JUNE 2nd
Katja L. | Old-Fashioned Book Love: Review

Well, that’s all I have for today! I’ll see you next Friday with a history post!

Does this sound like a book you or a friend might enjoy?
Are you excited about the giveaway?
Do you prefer acknowledgements at the beginning or end of a book? (Or do you not read them?)

P.S. You can also follow me at my other blog, Kenmore Pines 1, here.
To learn more about this blog check out my blog launch post here.