past simple or continuous

Hello,

I would like to ask for advice in this case:

She was feeling sad because she had never done anything like that before.

She felt sad because she had never done anything like that before.

Which is correct? What is the difference in meaning?

Thank you.

Both are fine. The progressive emphasizes the durational quality of the verb, and as here, adds an empathetic element on the speaker’s part, an increased emotional involvement.