Stepping Down challenged my expectations from the start. While categorized as Christian book I was expecting Christian Romance, this story is far more of a coming-of-age and faith-centered narrative than a conventional love story. One pleasant surprise was the inclusion of light humor, which I wasn’t anticipating.

The writing evokes the feeling of being dropped off at college — wide-eyed, eager, and vulnerable — and Megan’s experiences feel authentic to that stage of life. Aside from the absence of cursing, which was a refreshing change, the story doesn’t feel overly sanitized or unrealistic.

As the novel progressed, it became clear that the central relationship isn’t romantic but spiritual. Megan’s relationship with her faith takes center stage, and the author does not shy away from portraying how complicated and non-linear that journey can be. I appreciated that the story resisted forcing a tidy romantic resolution.

Megan’s family and friendships were highlights for me. Rather than punishment or rejection, her support system reflects grace, accountability, and unconditional love. While the loss of her first love was bittersweet, the ending leaves readers questioning whether love truly disappeared or simply transformed.

This book will resonate most with readers looking for a realistic portrayal of faith, identity, and personal growth rather than a traditional romance arc.

What happens when you find out that you are serving the thing you once thought served you.

That’s what happens when Megan decides to take a deeper dive into the origins and practices of the organization she credits for making her the woman she is.

I enjoyed this book. It was raw yet entertaining and informative. It’s also a call to the readers to go beyond the surface and reevaluate systems and organizations you are aligned with the see if you are attached to the wrong things.