Lessons in Falling by Christy Schillig (August 27, 2025) Thank you @christyschillig for the #gifted advanced copy of her sophomore novel, which for very different reasons, I adored as much as her debut!
Devon Gallagher leads a small, steady life. She’s a dedicated math teacher, a fiercely loyal daughter, and content – at least, as content as she’ll allow herself to be. But everything tilts when her sister drags her from Philly to Chicago for a girls’ weekend. One ill-advised karaoke performance and a trip to the ER later, Devon finds herself humiliatingly high on painkillers and making a memorable impression on a certain attending orthopedic surgeon. Then, that orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeff Harrison, ends up with a Philadelphia fellowship that places him as part of her close circle of friends. From a hate born of humiliation and deeply caustic banter, Devon begins to very slowly soften to see Jeff for the caring and compassionate man he is, but let’s be clear – Jeff has been down bad since her wild night in his ER back in Chicago. But, with their lives and futures firmly planted in different cities, both feeling the pressures of caring for family, and both deeply committed to their careers, is there a way to be together?
Christy Schillig proves that she can write across tones and geographies with equal skill. Her Italian-set debut was lush and cinematic; here, she delivers rapid-fire dialogue and Philly grit. But the underpinnings of Christy’s talent are present in both – messy, complex female characters afraid to want what they deserve and the bold, tender men who prove they can want more but love them in all of their chaos disguised as order.
I’m a sucker for meddling friends and ride-or-die sisters who push you toward joy even when you resist it – and Lessons in Falling offers that in abundance. It also delivers rich themes around mental health, the emotional labor of teaching, and the lingering impact of losing a parent. It’s outrageously funny, vulnerable, and quietly hopeful in all the right ways.
Plus, the relentlessly hilarious pop culture references – including over a dozen Vampire Diaries references – are endlessly enjoyable. #TeamDamon
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 