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Catch Us When We Fall
If you love the emotionally complex novels of JoJo Moyes and the dramatic books of Jodi Picoult, you won’t want to miss this newest book about second chances, redemption, and the power of hope from USA Today bestselling author of Shelter Me, Juliette Fay.
On her own since the age of eighteen, Cass Macklin dated brilliant, troubled Ben McGreavy, convinced he was the smartest person she’d ever known. They partied their way through their twenties, slowly descending into a bleak world of binge-drinking and broken promises, inebriated for most of a decade. Now Ben is dead, and Cass is broke, homeless, scared…and pregnant. Determined to have a healthy pregnancy and raise Ben’s baby, Cass has to find a way to stop drinking and build a stable life for herself and her child. But with no money, skills, or sober friends or family, the task seems insurmountable. At wit’s end, Cass turns to the only person with the means to help Ben’s brother Scott, third basemen for the Boston Red Sox, a man with a temper and problems of his own. The two make a deal that neither one of them is sure they can live up to. As Cass struggles to take control of her life and to ask for help when she needs it, Scott begins to realize there’s a life for him beyond the baseball diamond. By turns heartbreaking and humorous, with its message that change is possible, that forgiveness can be freely given, and that life, though imperfect, is worth embracing, Catch Us When We Fall is a story of human connectedness and hope.
On her own since the age of eighteen, Cass Macklin dated brilliant, troubled Ben McGreavy, convinced he was the smartest person she’d ever known. They partied their way through their twenties, slowly descending into a bleak world of binge-drinking and broken promises, inebriated for most of a decade. Now Ben is dead, and Cass is broke, homeless, scared…and pregnant. Determined to have a healthy pregnancy and raise Ben’s baby, Cass has to find a way to stop drinking and build a stable life for herself and her child. But with no money, skills, or sober friends or family, the task seems insurmountable. At wit’s end, Cass turns to the only person with the means to help Ben’s brother Scott, third basemen for the Boston Red Sox, a man with a temper and problems of his own. The two make a deal that neither one of them is sure they can live up to. As Cass struggles to take control of her life and to ask for help when she needs it, Scott begins to realize there’s a life for him beyond the baseball diamond. By turns heartbreaking and humorous, with its message that change is possible, that forgiveness can be freely given, and that life, though imperfect, is worth embracing, Catch Us When We Fall is a story of human connectedness and hope.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2021
293 people are currently reading
15.3k people want to read
About the author
Juliette Fay
11books816followersJuliette Fay is the bestselling author of eight novels, including THE HARVEY GIRLS, THE HALF OF IT, CATCH US WHEN WE FALL, CITY OF FLICKERING LIGHT and THE TUMBLING TURNER SISTERS, a USA Today bestseller and Costco Pennie’s Book Club Pick. Previous novels include THE SHORTEST WAY HOME, one of Library Journal’s Top 5 Best Books of 2012: Women’s Fiction; DEEP DOWN TRUE, short-listed for the 2011Women’s Fiction award by the American Library Association; and SHELTER ME, a 2009 Massachusetts Book Award “Must-Read Book� and an Indie Next pick.
Juliette is a graduate of Boston College and Harvard University, and lives in Massachusetts with her family. Follow her on Facebook: Juliette Fay author, Instagram: Juliette_Fay, and BookBub:
Juliette is a graduate of Boston College and Harvard University, and lives in Massachusetts with her family. Follow her on Facebook: Juliette Fay author, Instagram: Juliette_Fay, and BookBub:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 378 reviews
November 4, 2021
Boy, I loved this. One of my favorite books of the month!
Thanks to Get Red PR, William Morrow Books, and Juliette Fay for the complimentary advance copy of Catch Us When We Fall in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Cass and Ben have been together for 11 years, since she was 18. She loves him fiercely and thinks he’s the smartest man she’s known, but they spent most of their time together drunk, barely eking out an existence and trying to make ends meet, and periodically finding themselves in dangerous situations.�
When Ben dies, Cass finds herself alone and broke—and pregnant. She’s determined to do the right thing for the baby and stop drinking, but with no money, no real skills, and no friends who don’t drink, the prospects for sobriety don’t look good.
That’s when Cass reluctantly turns to Scott, Ben’s brother, who plays for the Boston Red Sox. She asks for his help to get sober and get on her feet, and they make a deal that neither really believes will come to fruition.
As Cass struggles with trying to stay sober and starting to think about a life for her baby, she deals with her unresolved feelings about her relationship with Ben and starts to open up to Scott, even though he keeps waiting for her to backslide. She also develops some strong friendships with others in recovery, which puts her in more stressful situations but also helps her realize her capacity to love and care for others—and be loved and cared for by them.
This is a beautiful, emotional story about embracing your vulnerability and the possibility of a future when you never thought there was one. Juliette Fay did a great job of keeping the book from getting too melodramatic—there were a few times I hoped over-the-top things wouldn’t happen and they didn’t.
Definitely one I’ll think about for a while!!
See all of my reviews at .
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Thanks to Get Red PR, William Morrow Books, and Juliette Fay for the complimentary advance copy of Catch Us When We Fall in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Cass and Ben have been together for 11 years, since she was 18. She loves him fiercely and thinks he’s the smartest man she’s known, but they spent most of their time together drunk, barely eking out an existence and trying to make ends meet, and periodically finding themselves in dangerous situations.�
When Ben dies, Cass finds herself alone and broke—and pregnant. She’s determined to do the right thing for the baby and stop drinking, but with no money, no real skills, and no friends who don’t drink, the prospects for sobriety don’t look good.
That’s when Cass reluctantly turns to Scott, Ben’s brother, who plays for the Boston Red Sox. She asks for his help to get sober and get on her feet, and they make a deal that neither really believes will come to fruition.
As Cass struggles with trying to stay sober and starting to think about a life for her baby, she deals with her unresolved feelings about her relationship with Ben and starts to open up to Scott, even though he keeps waiting for her to backslide. She also develops some strong friendships with others in recovery, which puts her in more stressful situations but also helps her realize her capacity to love and care for others—and be loved and cared for by them.
This is a beautiful, emotional story about embracing your vulnerability and the possibility of a future when you never thought there was one. Juliette Fay did a great job of keeping the book from getting too melodramatic—there were a few times I hoped over-the-top things wouldn’t happen and they didn’t.
Definitely one I’ll think about for a while!!
See all of my reviews at .
Follow me on Instagram at .
September 20, 2021
Rather than write a long-winded review, I'm gonna try and keep it short and simple for a change. Catch Us When We Fall is a novel featuring Cass Macklin, an alcoholic. Her long-time boyfriend, Ben, recently passed away due to his drinking problem. Cass is pregnant with his child and needs help in more ways than one. Ben and his brother, Scott, had a rocky relationship, but he's the only person she knows with the means to help her. They strike up a short term deal with the hope Cass will take control of her life.
Cass's journey affected me on an unexpected emotional level. To say I felt invested in her seems like such an understatement. This is a story that really just grabbed my heart and will stick with me for a long time. It was a powerful read and one that I highly recommend checking out.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Cass's journey affected me on an unexpected emotional level. To say I felt invested in her seems like such an understatement. This is a story that really just grabbed my heart and will stick with me for a long time. It was a powerful read and one that I highly recommend checking out.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
October 7, 2021
Cass Macklin, a twenty-nine-year-old woman, has spent the last ten years in the depths of alcoholism with boyfriend Ben McGreavy. Both victims of difficult childhoods, their life of partying comes crashing down when Ben dies. Cass finds herself alone and pregnant. She reluctantly turns to Ben’s brother Scott, who is a mid-level baseball player on the Boston Red Sox. Scott has little faith that Cass will be able to get clean and sober but agrees to help the young, homeless mother of his future niece or nephew.
Catch Us When We Fall is an emotional book which tells the journey of a woman struggling each day with her desire to use alcohol to deal with her devastating loss and her fears, with a new child on the way. She seeks treatment and support in AA on her long road to sobriety. Scott, who has dealt with his own childhood trauma in different ways, has to navigate through his new living situation. A wealthy neighbor also battling alcoholism and a friend who has been abused complicate things for Cass as her due date nears.
Author Juliette Fay has sensitively presented a story filled with despair, redemption and hope. I was very touched by this story of one woman’s struggle to find her way out of such a dark, deep hole. This is not a light read but amid the heavy subject matter, there is some humor and a real sense of humanity.
Review posted on .
Catch Us When We Fall is an emotional book which tells the journey of a woman struggling each day with her desire to use alcohol to deal with her devastating loss and her fears, with a new child on the way. She seeks treatment and support in AA on her long road to sobriety. Scott, who has dealt with his own childhood trauma in different ways, has to navigate through his new living situation. A wealthy neighbor also battling alcoholism and a friend who has been abused complicate things for Cass as her due date nears.
Author Juliette Fay has sensitively presented a story filled with despair, redemption and hope. I was very touched by this story of one woman’s struggle to find her way out of such a dark, deep hole. This is not a light read but amid the heavy subject matter, there is some humor and a real sense of humanity.
Review posted on .
August 19, 2021
In earlier days, lovers Cass Macklin and Ben McGreavy often hung out with Ben's older brother Scott, but when Cass and Ben's partying turns into full-blown alcoholism Scott backs away. He's the third baseman for the Boston White Sox and can't allow his brother's issues to mess with his head and game. When Ben dies from alcohol poisoning, Scott meets Cass again as they're the only two people at the gravesite. Cass is homeless, penniless and pregnant. She wants Ben's baby and vows to give it a chance in life by getting sober and providing stability for them both. With no means of her own, she turns to Scott and offers him a deal. Give her shelter for a month until she can get back on her feet, and she'll be out of there. Meantime, she'll attend Alcoholic Anonymous, clean his house and get her life in order. Scott reluctantly agrees, but little does he know how this woman with all her issues will turn his life upside down. Catch Us When We Fall is the story of Cass and Scott with all the highs and lows of learning to let go of the past and live for the future.
Catch Us When We Fall is an authentic, heartbreaking story of loss, grief and forgiveness. A story that delves deeply into the lives of alcoholics and those who love them. I found it interesting to follow Cass in her struggles to survive the disease - overcoming the many temptations and pitfalls in day to day living - at first for her unborn child and later for herself. The author does an excellent job of tackling the issue with realism and empathy through emotionally complex characters trying to do the right thing while overcoming their demons. I also enjoyed Scott's journey as he struggles to lay his heartbreaking past to rest and allow himself to give and accept love freely. Although frustrating at times, both characters are easy to pull for. While most of this story is carried by Cass and Scott, I really enjoyed a couple of support characters - Laurel and Kate. Both are also suffering from alcoholism and their lives intertwine in both good and bad ways with Cass's which complicates things. While the tone of this story is dire, there's always a tiny spark of light, of hope they'll make it past the grief, pain, guilt, loneliness and hopelessness to a better life - hope they'll find new, better ways of coping with all life throws at them. Juliette Fay delivers big time in Catch Us When We Fall. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it in one sitting and then sat there and thought about it for awhile. This is a beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness and finding oneself in the darkness of addiction. It's a story of hope for all who have ever fallen and for all who have been there to catch them when they fell. Highly recommended to everyone!
Thank you Avon Books for a paperback arc of this book.
Review posted at
Catch Us When We Fall is an authentic, heartbreaking story of loss, grief and forgiveness. A story that delves deeply into the lives of alcoholics and those who love them. I found it interesting to follow Cass in her struggles to survive the disease - overcoming the many temptations and pitfalls in day to day living - at first for her unborn child and later for herself. The author does an excellent job of tackling the issue with realism and empathy through emotionally complex characters trying to do the right thing while overcoming their demons. I also enjoyed Scott's journey as he struggles to lay his heartbreaking past to rest and allow himself to give and accept love freely. Although frustrating at times, both characters are easy to pull for. While most of this story is carried by Cass and Scott, I really enjoyed a couple of support characters - Laurel and Kate. Both are also suffering from alcoholism and their lives intertwine in both good and bad ways with Cass's which complicates things. While the tone of this story is dire, there's always a tiny spark of light, of hope they'll make it past the grief, pain, guilt, loneliness and hopelessness to a better life - hope they'll find new, better ways of coping with all life throws at them. Juliette Fay delivers big time in Catch Us When We Fall. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it in one sitting and then sat there and thought about it for awhile. This is a beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness and finding oneself in the darkness of addiction. It's a story of hope for all who have ever fallen and for all who have been there to catch them when they fell. Highly recommended to everyone!
Thank you Avon Books for a paperback arc of this book.
Review posted at
April 28, 2021
A redemption story if ever there was one: Juliette Fay’s CATCH US WHEN WE FALL gives us a character who seems almost beyond help, beyond reach, even to herself—but finds ways to prove us all wrong, one baby step at a time. A beautiful look at the strength it takes to save ourselves, the love it takes to save each other, and the hopeful truth that it’s never too late to start over.
October 17, 2021
CATCH US WHEN WE FALL is a story about embracing the storms of life. The subject matter equals a difficult read. The story is filled with characters suffering life-changing and heartbreaking problems. At times you’ll find some humor, but the message is perfectly on point that people can change -- and forgiveness is possible � but it’s not easy and needs lots of understanding, handholding and help along the way.
The road to recovery may be paved with good intentions, but it’s a long haul. At age twenty-nine, Cass Macklin is left alone, penniless, homeless, pregnant and an alcoholic when her long-time boyfriend Ben McGreavy, an alcoholic himself, dies of alcoholic poisoning. Scott McGreavy is a baseball player with the Red Sox and Ben’s brother. He and Cass were also high school classmates and good friends. For years, the brothers have shared a difficult relationship for many reasons and their parents were at the center of their problems, along with alcohol and Cass. With Ben gone, the only person Cass can turn to for help is Scott. And he’s got a whole lot of foot-dragging reluctance to overcome before becoming fully immersed in the situation.
Addiction and Redemption play major roles in this book, as well as Alcoholics Anonymous. Therein is a strong support cast that adds its own level of interest to the storyline in this regard. Of course, there’s plenty of drama, heartache and sorrow � along with the long journey to healing.
A slow moving love story emerges in a tremendously moving story that will elicit tears in some places and laughter and cheers in others. All the characters are sensitively portrayed, as is the realistic recovery process, and the relationship that comes full-circle between Cass and Scott. The resilience, strength and survival is uplifting and full of hope. Not only is there recovery for Cass, but for Scott as well.
A new-to-me-author that covered some hard topics with grace and a wonderful and beautiful ending. This won’t be my last book written by her as I plan on checking out any backlist or future books.
September 16, 2021
I don’t think that I’ve ever been more attached to characters in a book the way that I was with Cass and Scott in Catch Us When We Fall. The storytelling was absolutely remarkable in this book!
I was gripped from the first page until the very last. This story is so real and emotional, it’s hard not to become attached to this book. I feel that many people will be able to resonate with this story and with each of the characters. I wish I had the words to describe how much I adore this book. Even though this book is a break from my usual genre of thrillers, it ended up being just what I needed!
I would also like to thank Harper Collins/William Morrow for an advanced review copy of Catch Us When We Fall. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to read this moving novel by Juliette Fay, as I am now a devoted reader of hers.
I was gripped from the first page until the very last. This story is so real and emotional, it’s hard not to become attached to this book. I feel that many people will be able to resonate with this story and with each of the characters. I wish I had the words to describe how much I adore this book. Even though this book is a break from my usual genre of thrillers, it ended up being just what I needed!
I would also like to thank Harper Collins/William Morrow for an advanced review copy of Catch Us When We Fall. I am also very grateful for the opportunity to read this moving novel by Juliette Fay, as I am now a devoted reader of hers.
February 2, 2025
*** 3.75 Stars ***
The story hits all the marks until the near end.
It was well-paced, and the portrayal of alcohol addiction felt raw and authentic. The struggles were painful to read, but in a way that captured the difficulty of overcoming addiction—everything from the constant temptation to the emotional toll of attending meetings. So well done!!!
The slow-building trust between the main characters was also one of the strongest parts of the story, it felt like their bond was evolving gradually, which I appreciated.
However, things really took a turn as the book neared its conclusion. It felt rushed, almost like the author was trying to tie up everything too quickly. There was still so much more to explore from the male MC's POV, and I think getting inside his head a bit more could have added a lot of depth to the story.
Summing up, the conclusion left me a bit down, like missing something out, some crucial emotional development on his part.
The story hits all the marks until the near end.
It was well-paced, and the portrayal of alcohol addiction felt raw and authentic. The struggles were painful to read, but in a way that captured the difficulty of overcoming addiction—everything from the constant temptation to the emotional toll of attending meetings. So well done!!!
The slow-building trust between the main characters was also one of the strongest parts of the story, it felt like their bond was evolving gradually, which I appreciated.
However, things really took a turn as the book neared its conclusion. It felt rushed, almost like the author was trying to tie up everything too quickly. There was still so much more to explore from the male MC's POV, and I think getting inside his head a bit more could have added a lot of depth to the story.
Summing up, the conclusion left me a bit down, like missing something out, some crucial emotional development on his part.
September 25, 2021
I loved reading 's novel , and while is a completely different story, I loved reading this one too. This is full of painful, heartbreaking topics all the way through and it is a very emotional read. I teared up more times than I could keep track of while reading it, and it is pretty heavy while also providing a strong dose of hope. It was so hard to watch Cass struggle with her alcoholism, and while I have a family member who is a recovered alcoholic, I wasn't there to watch everything they had to go through to get to the point they are today. I can't imagine trying to help someone struggling with addiction, and I hated it but could also relate to some of the ways Scott struggled with Cass and how to treat her. I was glad that Fay shared where she got the idea from as well as a few other things about her life at the end of the book, and I would highly recommend having a copy to look at just for that alone.
I started off by reading this, but thanks to how incredibly slow I am at reading anything these days, decided to switch to the audiobook. The audio is narrated by Piper Goodeve and I quite liked her narration for Cass. Her voice fit Cass very nicely, and her narration itself was smooth and easy to listen to. I've listened to a couple of other books she has narrated and really enjoyed her every time, so if you enjoy audiobooks you shouldn't be disappointed with the audio for Catch Us When We Fall. I recently read a real downer of a book, so I really appreciated the way this novel ended even though it has its own very hard moments. So much of it will break your heart, but it will also leave you feeling optimistic and reassured that things can still work out for the best.
Thank you to the publisher and Get Red PR for my free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I started off by reading this, but thanks to how incredibly slow I am at reading anything these days, decided to switch to the audiobook. The audio is narrated by Piper Goodeve and I quite liked her narration for Cass. Her voice fit Cass very nicely, and her narration itself was smooth and easy to listen to. I've listened to a couple of other books she has narrated and really enjoyed her every time, so if you enjoy audiobooks you shouldn't be disappointed with the audio for Catch Us When We Fall. I recently read a real downer of a book, so I really appreciated the way this novel ended even though it has its own very hard moments. So much of it will break your heart, but it will also leave you feeling optimistic and reassured that things can still work out for the best.
Thank you to the publisher and Get Red PR for my free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2021
Wow this was one powerful read. I knew from the description that it would be heavy but I didn’t realize just how emotionally charged it would be. Right from the start you’re thrust into the lives of Cass and Scott on one of the worst days of their lives as they’re burying Scott’s brother and Cass boyfriend, Ben. So it gets you right in the feels immediately and it truly never lets up once. It’s very character driven and the author crafted these people who seem so real, especially in their struggles. Cass is truly a wreck, a broken soul and seeing her journey was heartbreaking but ultimately inspiring. Her strength comes through over and over as she battles her addiction and comes into her own and it was a beautiful story. She was the kind of character that you develop and attachment to and I was sad to finish this one up. I do want to add that I had planned on switching between the print and audio but the audio was so well done and compelling that I listened to the majority of this so if you like audio this is the way to go. Recommended for fans of emotional, character driven books with strong writing!
May 7, 2021
When I'm done reading one of Juliette Fay's books, her characters always exist in my memory like people I've actually met. Catch Us When We Fall is full of hope and heart and genuine love. I already miss checking in with these beautiful people who are trying their hardest to heal and connect.
September 12, 2021
It's been a bit since I've finished a book in one day but Catch Us When We Fall gripped me from the start and held me through until the end.
If you love stories of redemption and troubled characters with a past I whole-heartedly recommend this book.
Cass Macklin and Ben McGreavy fell in love in high school and thought themselves the perfect match. Ben was an intellectual who didn't trust anyone and grew up in an abusive home. Cass was in foster care after losing her mother until she aged out and found herself on the streets at 18. The trouble with Cass and Ben is that they lived their lives in the bottle and have been unable to provide stability for themselves. We begin our story just after Ben has died of alcohol poisoning. Cass shows up graveside drunk with only Ben's judgmental brother, Scotty, there beside her to say goodbye.
Fast forward a month and we find Cass waitressing and trying to clean up her act when she runs into the Scotty. Scotty is the third-basemen for the Boston Red Sox and wants nothing to do with his brother's girlfriend. When she drops in his lap the why behind her attempt to clean up her act Scotty finds out she is carrying his nephew he agrees to foot the bill for rehab to help her out. He then grudgingly allows her to live with him as she tries to get herself set up for success after rehab.
Scotty comes from the same abusive home as his brother and found his own way out (sports instead alcohol) but is dealing with demons of his own from his childhood. Can he actually trust Cass to stay clean? Can he keep the drama from his home life out of his professional life on the field?
We also have a cast of side characters who I found myself caring a lot about throughout the book. Even characters who made such a brief appearance left a mark on this book and my heart. I can't tell you the number of times my eyes welled up as I felt the struggle of the individuals in this book.
I have not ever had any experience with addiction personally so I cannot speak to whether or not this was a good depiction of the process but to an inexperienced eye it felt so real and raw. I found myself cheering so hard for everyone's development and hoping for everyone to find their path forward.
If you love stories of redemption and troubled characters with a past I whole-heartedly recommend this book.
Cass Macklin and Ben McGreavy fell in love in high school and thought themselves the perfect match. Ben was an intellectual who didn't trust anyone and grew up in an abusive home. Cass was in foster care after losing her mother until she aged out and found herself on the streets at 18. The trouble with Cass and Ben is that they lived their lives in the bottle and have been unable to provide stability for themselves. We begin our story just after Ben has died of alcohol poisoning. Cass shows up graveside drunk with only Ben's judgmental brother, Scotty, there beside her to say goodbye.
Fast forward a month and we find Cass waitressing and trying to clean up her act when she runs into the Scotty. Scotty is the third-basemen for the Boston Red Sox and wants nothing to do with his brother's girlfriend. When she drops in his lap the why behind her attempt to clean up her act Scotty finds out she is carrying his nephew he agrees to foot the bill for rehab to help her out. He then grudgingly allows her to live with him as she tries to get herself set up for success after rehab.
Scotty comes from the same abusive home as his brother and found his own way out (sports instead alcohol) but is dealing with demons of his own from his childhood. Can he actually trust Cass to stay clean? Can he keep the drama from his home life out of his professional life on the field?
We also have a cast of side characters who I found myself caring a lot about throughout the book. Even characters who made such a brief appearance left a mark on this book and my heart. I can't tell you the number of times my eyes welled up as I felt the struggle of the individuals in this book.
I have not ever had any experience with addiction personally so I cannot speak to whether or not this was a good depiction of the process but to an inexperienced eye it felt so real and raw. I found myself cheering so hard for everyone's development and hoping for everyone to find their path forward.
September 22, 2021
Emotionally Charged
Powerful
Hopeful
This is a beautifully written character driven story about Cass Macklin. Cass just hit rock bottom - she is a wreck, now homeless, an alcoholic, and someone who just lost the father of her unborn baby. In her desperation to turn things around to raise her baby, she reaches out to Scott, Ben's brother who is a major league baseball player.
This was a compelling and emotional read that was hard to put down. The scenes in this story were so heartbreaking and the writing so heartfelt. It has been a while since I was so emotionally connected to the characters that made me tear up. This book certainly did that. Juliette Fay did an awesome job writing this intense story that brought hope and inspiration to the story.
Powerful
Hopeful
This is a beautifully written character driven story about Cass Macklin. Cass just hit rock bottom - she is a wreck, now homeless, an alcoholic, and someone who just lost the father of her unborn baby. In her desperation to turn things around to raise her baby, she reaches out to Scott, Ben's brother who is a major league baseball player.
This was a compelling and emotional read that was hard to put down. The scenes in this story were so heartbreaking and the writing so heartfelt. It has been a while since I was so emotionally connected to the characters that made me tear up. This book certainly did that. Juliette Fay did an awesome job writing this intense story that brought hope and inspiration to the story.
February 2, 2025
Juliette Fay did not disappoint. This is the story of two profoundly broken people: Cass, a serious alcoholic who discovered she’s pregnant after her alcoholic boyfriend dies of alcohol poisoning, and Scott, her boyfriend’s brother who plays for the Red Sox as he copes with the emotional repercussions of his dysfunctional and abusive childhood.
Cass is determined to get sober for her child and Scott agrees to help her, although he is fearful that the drama she will bring into his life will affect his game and his life.
There are great characters in this book who are fully developed, and who exhibit extraordinary personal growth. Cass Scott, Lauren, Kate and others become very real to the reader. Probably the best and most important part of the book is its spot on portrayal of alcoholism. The author really gets inside the alcoholic’s brain through the constant temptations and whispering of “having just one drink�. From Cass, who marvels that someone can actually walk away from a drink, any drink, and Scott, who, although he sees what Cass is going through to stay sober, refers to another ball player as “a lush�. The story delves into the pain of relapses, and why an alcoholic needs to get sober for themselves, not for anyone else.
Although the story concentrates on Cass� recovery, the story also explores Scott’s heartbreaking and painful childhood and how he does and doesn’t deal with it. There is one scene where Scott is discussing his abusive father who broke his pitching arm. Scott says “He broke the most important part of me.� (I paraphrase this because I couldn’t find the section.) This just broke my heart. It also deals with Scott’s challenges as a professional ball player. It’s not all home runs and glory. As a member of Red Sox Nation, I particularly enjoyed the parts about baseball and the Red Sox. (Thank goodness Scott didn’t play for the Yankees!) The life of any professional athlete is not easy, money aside, and it takes a physical and emotional toll.
If you’ve never known a recovering alcoholic then this book will be revelatory; if you have known, loved and supported a recovering alcoholic, the book will absolutely ring true.
Although you know how this book will end, it is an extraordinary journey as two broken people heal themselves and each other.
An absolute recommend.
Cass is determined to get sober for her child and Scott agrees to help her, although he is fearful that the drama she will bring into his life will affect his game and his life.
There are great characters in this book who are fully developed, and who exhibit extraordinary personal growth. Cass Scott, Lauren, Kate and others become very real to the reader. Probably the best and most important part of the book is its spot on portrayal of alcoholism. The author really gets inside the alcoholic’s brain through the constant temptations and whispering of “having just one drink�. From Cass, who marvels that someone can actually walk away from a drink, any drink, and Scott, who, although he sees what Cass is going through to stay sober, refers to another ball player as “a lush�. The story delves into the pain of relapses, and why an alcoholic needs to get sober for themselves, not for anyone else.
Although the story concentrates on Cass� recovery, the story also explores Scott’s heartbreaking and painful childhood and how he does and doesn’t deal with it. There is one scene where Scott is discussing his abusive father who broke his pitching arm. Scott says “He broke the most important part of me.� (I paraphrase this because I couldn’t find the section.) This just broke my heart. It also deals with Scott’s challenges as a professional ball player. It’s not all home runs and glory. As a member of Red Sox Nation, I particularly enjoyed the parts about baseball and the Red Sox. (Thank goodness Scott didn’t play for the Yankees!) The life of any professional athlete is not easy, money aside, and it takes a physical and emotional toll.
If you’ve never known a recovering alcoholic then this book will be revelatory; if you have known, loved and supported a recovering alcoholic, the book will absolutely ring true.
Although you know how this book will end, it is an extraordinary journey as two broken people heal themselves and each other.
An absolute recommend.
December 20, 2021
5 Stars
I've irrevocably fallen in love with this author. I've read four of her books this year and have loved each and every one. Catch Us When We Fall is only the latest and one of her best.
The cover and blurb of this book had me thinking it might be a darker, more serious drama than her other books. While there was the bleak subject matter surrounding the heroine, the overall story was exactly what I've come to love and expect from the author. Mixed within a poignant and realistic story of alcohol abuse and recovery, as well as loss, it had the author’s signature wit, friendships, and romance. I was completely immersed in Cass's story and loved seeing her character growth, as well as her complex relationship with Scott. This author has her finger on the pulse of women's fiction.
October 7, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book because they said if you like Jojo Moyes and Jodi Picoult you would probably like this one...and they were right. As those are two of my favorite authors, I had to give it a try. This was a really heartfelt and amazing story to begin with...you have an alcoholic woman just partying her way through life when she loses her true love...while she is pregnant with his baby. She has nowhere to turn and nobody to trust but somehow she ends up in the care of his brother...and they don't even like each other. It was really fun reading their story as each person just seemed so real...their hurts, their fears, their love...I wanted to just get to know them in real life...I loved this book and will read anything else by this author. :)
November 26, 2021
Thank you to William Morrow books and Juliette Fay for this advanced copy of Catch Us When We Fall.
This was such a wonderful surprise. While the cover didn't seem relevant to the book, the story and writing was so good. I appreciated that the subject matter of Alcoholism was delivered with such grace. This was one of my favorite Reads this year.
This was such a wonderful surprise. While the cover didn't seem relevant to the book, the story and writing was so good. I appreciated that the subject matter of Alcoholism was delivered with such grace. This was one of my favorite Reads this year.
September 19, 2021
A book about forgiveness and trust. A heavy book to read with the subject of alcoholism.
I didn’t love the book it was just nice.
I didn’t love the book it was just nice.
April 19, 2025
Wow. I don't think I've read a better book with a character in the thick of loss and alcoholism. I rooted for Cass, got mad at her, understood, and mourned with her.
April 2, 2023
I first learned about Juliette Fay from an old friend (Fr. Matt Cassidy, SJ, now stationed in Micronesia). They were classmates at Boston College way back when. Fr. Matt told me how much he admired his friend’s work, that it took him back to a special time. She also tends to write about Boston, for which they both share an affinity.
Catch Us When We Fall is clearly a depiction of a woman’s journey to sobriety, and perhaps more accurately, the path to wellness as outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous. The main character, Cass, finally has a reason to quit: her codependent husband dies of alcohol poisoning, and she learns she’s pregnant with his child. Her brother-in-law, Scott, third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, reluctantly takes her in, on the condition she get sober.
Be prepared for elaborate detail of Cass’s daily, sometimes mundane, efforts to do right by herself and her baby. The action often reads like a journal, like someone going through the cathartic process of journaling her sights and experiences while attending AA meetings. But to the author’s credit, Cass comes off as a genuine character. The story is a supremely clear look at the struggles, successes, and inspirational moments of a person trying to quit drinking. Cass came off unassuming, fragile at first but gathering strength quietly, perhaps not even noticeable to herself. When her cravings brought her right to the edge of failure, I found myself muttering at the audiobook: “Don’t do it!�
But Cass’s story runs right through Scott’s house, and thus through his life. It’s cleverly done: a subtly couched romance between two unlikely lovers. It happens because of empathy: Scott’s annoyed by Cass’s life when she arrives, but slowly, as he finds small ways to help, he develops feelings for her. It’s the kind of relationship that gives off the warm fuzzies. I also enjoyed the friendship Cass creates with neighbor (and one-time rehab rival) Laurel: again, from different worlds, but the purpose brings them together. There’s a good resolution at the end, too.
Now, I can think of a few people who’d disown me, a Yankees season ticket holder for 28 years, for even picking up a book featuring a Red Sox star, even a fictional one. All I can say is, “Get over it!� It’s a love letter to Boston, to Fenway, to Red Sox Nation…and I’m fine with it. I can see why Fr. Matt, who gets misty-eyed when we talk about his college years, loves this writing so much. Nothing wrong with someone in love with his/her city, even an adopted one. Hey, I like Fenway, too, and I loved that extensive Ted Williams biography (). And should the Red Sox manager job ever become available again…my resume is ready to go (I have decades of experience coaching young athletes, I speak Spanish, I watch a ton of baseball, and I’m more than willing to let analytics do all the work).
A very enjoyable work, and an honest depiction of the rough road to sobriety.
Catch Us When We Fall is clearly a depiction of a woman’s journey to sobriety, and perhaps more accurately, the path to wellness as outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous. The main character, Cass, finally has a reason to quit: her codependent husband dies of alcohol poisoning, and she learns she’s pregnant with his child. Her brother-in-law, Scott, third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, reluctantly takes her in, on the condition she get sober.
Be prepared for elaborate detail of Cass’s daily, sometimes mundane, efforts to do right by herself and her baby. The action often reads like a journal, like someone going through the cathartic process of journaling her sights and experiences while attending AA meetings. But to the author’s credit, Cass comes off as a genuine character. The story is a supremely clear look at the struggles, successes, and inspirational moments of a person trying to quit drinking. Cass came off unassuming, fragile at first but gathering strength quietly, perhaps not even noticeable to herself. When her cravings brought her right to the edge of failure, I found myself muttering at the audiobook: “Don’t do it!�
But Cass’s story runs right through Scott’s house, and thus through his life. It’s cleverly done: a subtly couched romance between two unlikely lovers. It happens because of empathy: Scott’s annoyed by Cass’s life when she arrives, but slowly, as he finds small ways to help, he develops feelings for her. It’s the kind of relationship that gives off the warm fuzzies. I also enjoyed the friendship Cass creates with neighbor (and one-time rehab rival) Laurel: again, from different worlds, but the purpose brings them together. There’s a good resolution at the end, too.
Now, I can think of a few people who’d disown me, a Yankees season ticket holder for 28 years, for even picking up a book featuring a Red Sox star, even a fictional one. All I can say is, “Get over it!� It’s a love letter to Boston, to Fenway, to Red Sox Nation…and I’m fine with it. I can see why Fr. Matt, who gets misty-eyed when we talk about his college years, loves this writing so much. Nothing wrong with someone in love with his/her city, even an adopted one. Hey, I like Fenway, too, and I loved that extensive Ted Williams biography (). And should the Red Sox manager job ever become available again…my resume is ready to go (I have decades of experience coaching young athletes, I speak Spanish, I watch a ton of baseball, and I’m more than willing to let analytics do all the work).
A very enjoyable work, and an honest depiction of the rough road to sobriety.
November 9, 2021
Do you have a cause or illness that is close to your heart?
For me, it is addiction. I used to avoid stories centered around addiction because of how it has affected me and my family, but now I seek them out as a way to better understand and internalize others� struggles. Catch Us When We Fall is a heavy, but heartfelt and emotional story about addiction, recovery, redemption, and motherhood.
I really appreciated seeing Cass as she went from being a struggling alcoholic to a determined alcoholic in recovery. Cass was far from perfect and she made many mistakes and had many obstacles to her sobriety, but because of this she felt so real to me. Scott and Laurel were secondary characters that also played such a big part in the story and I loved seeing their own stories progress as well.
Most importantly, I was inspired by how the topic of addiction was handled and described. I feel like I have a better understanding the depths of addiction and the role Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can play in the recovery process. The story did feel slow at times, but I remained invested and still wanted to keep reading.
The audiobook is narrated by Piper Goodeve and she did a wonderful job. She was able to bring so much emotion to the story and I really enjoyed listening to it in addition to picking up the physical copy!
Thank you so much to Get Red PR and William Morrow for the gifted copy and Harper Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC.
For me, it is addiction. I used to avoid stories centered around addiction because of how it has affected me and my family, but now I seek them out as a way to better understand and internalize others� struggles. Catch Us When We Fall is a heavy, but heartfelt and emotional story about addiction, recovery, redemption, and motherhood.
I really appreciated seeing Cass as she went from being a struggling alcoholic to a determined alcoholic in recovery. Cass was far from perfect and she made many mistakes and had many obstacles to her sobriety, but because of this she felt so real to me. Scott and Laurel were secondary characters that also played such a big part in the story and I loved seeing their own stories progress as well.
Most importantly, I was inspired by how the topic of addiction was handled and described. I feel like I have a better understanding the depths of addiction and the role Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can play in the recovery process. The story did feel slow at times, but I remained invested and still wanted to keep reading.
The audiobook is narrated by Piper Goodeve and she did a wonderful job. She was able to bring so much emotion to the story and I really enjoyed listening to it in addition to picking up the physical copy!
Thank you so much to Get Red PR and William Morrow for the gifted copy and Harper Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC.
December 6, 2021
I have read several books by this author but I went into this book completely blind. It turns out to be about a young lady who just lost her partner. Both of them are alcoholics. Because she finds herself pregnant, she knows that she must stop drinking.
The main character is Cass. We follow her battle to become and stay sober throughout the book. As most of us know, it can be a lifetime struggle and the most unexpected thing can be a trigger. Cass fights her demons with all her might.
The storyline is interesting as we follow Cass's life throughout her pregnancy. She forms relationships with others along the way. We go to AA meetings with Cass, which I found informative.
I think that the author did an excellent job showing the reader how much determination is needed to make this journey. Cass proved herself to be a very strong young woman even though she fought against feelings of regret, self-doubt and worthlessness. I was cheering her on every step of the way. It is an emotional read.
A notable quote in the book: “Fear and shame are an
alcoholic's constant companions.� Definitely, something hard to live with!
I really enjoyed the author's Insights at the end of the book. She has friends and relatives who have battled alcohol addiction. And, she has attended AA meetings. Her research on the subject was firsthand. This plus other research contributed to a well written, plausible story.
The main character is Cass. We follow her battle to become and stay sober throughout the book. As most of us know, it can be a lifetime struggle and the most unexpected thing can be a trigger. Cass fights her demons with all her might.
The storyline is interesting as we follow Cass's life throughout her pregnancy. She forms relationships with others along the way. We go to AA meetings with Cass, which I found informative.
I think that the author did an excellent job showing the reader how much determination is needed to make this journey. Cass proved herself to be a very strong young woman even though she fought against feelings of regret, self-doubt and worthlessness. I was cheering her on every step of the way. It is an emotional read.
A notable quote in the book: “Fear and shame are an
alcoholic's constant companions.� Definitely, something hard to live with!
I really enjoyed the author's Insights at the end of the book. She has friends and relatives who have battled alcohol addiction. And, she has attended AA meetings. Her research on the subject was firsthand. This plus other research contributed to a well written, plausible story.
September 23, 2021
This was such a powerful but painful read! At times I had to put it down just to catch my breath. The power of addiction affects everyone, not just the addict. It really takes a toll emotionally and physically. It's heartbreaking to watch. It's agonizing to live through. That temptation? It’s always there. Lurking. The inability to stop at just one drink. And, unfortunately as time goes by, it eventually all comes crashing down. You need professional help, and that’s a hard truth to admit. Once you’re in recovery, it’s still a struggle every day, some more so than others. I would say that this was a pretty accurate depiction of an alcoholic, but of course, everyone’s story is different. So pick up Cass and Scott’s story. It’s a mind-opener to say the least�
October 18, 2021
Not gonna lie, the story felt a bit too long for me. A book is too long when you get tired of it and you feel like you read again what you read a few chapters ago.
Still, the author delivered a beautifully well written story. One about hope, healing and forgiveness. She covered alcoholism very well. The struggle, the recovery, and the constant fight against the addiction. It was raw and genuine.
Overall, a slower paced story with many trigger warnings, but a beautiful one and well worth a read. I absolutely loved the ending.
Still, the author delivered a beautifully well written story. One about hope, healing and forgiveness. She covered alcoholism very well. The struggle, the recovery, and the constant fight against the addiction. It was raw and genuine.
Overall, a slower paced story with many trigger warnings, but a beautiful one and well worth a read. I absolutely loved the ending.
January 12, 2022
A riveting, compelling and emotional read that I couldn't recommend more!!! This book shows us that that alcoholism is not the end of a person's life and also that recovery is possible when you fight for yourself. In this story, Cass is offered a second chance, and what she does with this opportunity is totally moving and shifted my perception of addiction. I felt like I was Cass's biggest supporter and part of her journey.
Read if you're interested in:
-Women's fiction
-Stores set in MA
-AA/ recovery
-Baseball
-Pregnancy journey
Read if you're interested in:
-Women's fiction
-Stores set in MA
-AA/ recovery
-Baseball
-Pregnancy journey
September 29, 2021
This was not what I expected as I went into it blind, and it turned out to be such a great read! The overall theme is about alcoholism and its destructive effects, both to those that live with this disease as well as those that live with loved ones who suffer from it. Cass Macklin is struggling with recovery as she has just learned she is pregnant with her dead boyfriend’s baby, and she is broke, homeless, and scared, but equally determined to leave her drunken past behind and raise a healthy baby. Enter Scott, Ben’s brother, who has reluctantly decided to give her a chance, but knowing how she and his brother used to be, does not do so easily and as the two make a deal that seems the best for the baby, they both realize that maybe there is more to life than what they originally thought.
I really enjoyed this one and thought the author covered addiction very well, even though the characters frustrated me at times. I also loved how baseball was woven into the storyline, and that we got the perspective of a few alcoholics and their families, not just Cass.
This is a slower paced story with many trigger warnings, but worth the read if you can handle it. Life is almost always messy and forgiveness is needed many times, and I thought this book covered each of those stages as well as the slip ups very well.
Thank you to GetRedPRBooks WilliamMorrow Books and Juliette Fay for the free copy to review.
I really enjoyed this one and thought the author covered addiction very well, even though the characters frustrated me at times. I also loved how baseball was woven into the storyline, and that we got the perspective of a few alcoholics and their families, not just Cass.
This is a slower paced story with many trigger warnings, but worth the read if you can handle it. Life is almost always messy and forgiveness is needed many times, and I thought this book covered each of those stages as well as the slip ups very well.
Thank you to GetRedPRBooks WilliamMorrow Books and Juliette Fay for the free copy to review.
October 26, 2021
At first glance, this is just one woman’s struggle to stay sober. And while Juliette Fay did a great job of showing how alcoholism can destroy your life and the lives of those who love you, this book is about so much more.
Cass is burying Ben, her longtime boyfriend. He was brilliant and bright, but many times they were homeless and scrounging for food because they chose booze over anything else. Now Ben is gone, and only Scott, his brother, showed up to his grave beside Cass.
Scott is a professional baseball player, single and living alone in a big house. But he’s angry, angry that his brother, his friend, drank himself to death. But when Cass tells him she’s pregnant with his brother’s child and has nowhere to go, no family to turn to, the two make a deal.
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐔𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 is Cass� journey to sobriety, but it involves so many others. And for anyone who has taken recovery “one day at a time,� you may be triggered or you may be rooting Cass on. I loved Cass and Scott’s relationship. It was tense and frustrating, but you just knew there was something there. And watching Cass understand her worth as a person, a friend, and a mother was incredibly moving.
TW: alcoholism, rape, assault.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks for this gifted copy.
Cass is burying Ben, her longtime boyfriend. He was brilliant and bright, but many times they were homeless and scrounging for food because they chose booze over anything else. Now Ben is gone, and only Scott, his brother, showed up to his grave beside Cass.
Scott is a professional baseball player, single and living alone in a big house. But he’s angry, angry that his brother, his friend, drank himself to death. But when Cass tells him she’s pregnant with his brother’s child and has nowhere to go, no family to turn to, the two make a deal.
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐔𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 is Cass� journey to sobriety, but it involves so many others. And for anyone who has taken recovery “one day at a time,� you may be triggered or you may be rooting Cass on. I loved Cass and Scott’s relationship. It was tense and frustrating, but you just knew there was something there. And watching Cass understand her worth as a person, a friend, and a mother was incredibly moving.
TW: alcoholism, rape, assault.
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks for this gifted copy.
November 21, 2021
Juliette Fay deserves to be better known. She's an excellent writer who knows how to draw the reader into her stories, which often deal with dysfunctional families in a compassionate way that feels utterly realistic. There's always hope to get you through. I've read all of her books and I think this is my favorite. There's something about the way she handles the gritty topic of alcoholism that feels so authentic - the despair, the shame and the way in which she describes the relentless pull Cass feels for "just one more drink." I'm no expert on alcoholism. This book gave me some new insights into the hold it has on sufferers and the effect it has on families. And it gave me a new respect for the benefit that AA has in helping people tackle their demons.
Scotty, who's battling his own demons, is an endearing character, and we root for him as he gradually opens up and shares the details of an abusive childhood.
Juliette has graced our book group and it adds such dimension to one's enjoyment to be able to chat with her about everything from how a cover was selected to why she made certain choices about characters' actions. She can do these by Zoom. See her website!
Scotty, who's battling his own demons, is an endearing character, and we root for him as he gradually opens up and shares the details of an abusive childhood.
Juliette has graced our book group and it adds such dimension to one's enjoyment to be able to chat with her about everything from how a cover was selected to why she made certain choices about characters' actions. She can do these by Zoom. See her website!
February 9, 2025
Love, love, loved. I couldn’t stop reading/listening to this book. I thought Cass’s character was such a realistic portrayal of an alcoholic. I absolutely loved her. Her growth as well as Scotty’s were so addictive to read. Her recovery journey and navigating AA, the rooms, sponsorship, and learning to love herself was such a heart warming journey. Her pregnancy and the way she navigated the lack of knowledge, her trauma, and her fear. Trying to grow and be better, and the commitment to her recovery and discovering who she was.. and her hobbies! As sad as I was for the loss of Ben, as well as the sad and low moments in the story, I still couldn’t put it down. Laurel, Drew, Kate - I loved them all. I definitely plan on checking out more from this author, and wish there was more story.. or a sequel!
February 21, 2025
This is an old book and I had it sitting in a bookcase for years. I tried to read it years ago, but put it down within a couple of pages, it just wasn’t sparking any interest. I decided to try it again, and this time I got right into it. It was the characters that kept my interest. It was one of those books that when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. It wasn’t a sit on the edge of your seat story, it wasn’t necessarily a well written book, why was it holding my interest so much? I felt like I knew these characters, like I was in the same room with them. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. When I was almost done reading it, I slowed myself down, not wanting to leave the characters. Now, I miss them. I plan to read her backlist now. I guess you could say I loved it.
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