Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for Fallen Leaves by Tessa Emily Hall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Fallen Leaves
Author: Tessa Emily Hall
Publisher: Illuminate YA Fiction
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Selena Taylor thought her only worry this fall was starting her junior year at a new arts school in North Carolina, miles away from home. But when she finds out her mom could graduate from rehab sooner than expected—even worse, she could work for her former nothing-but-trouble boss—Selena's determined to create a new life for them. Back in her childhood Kentucky hometown.
Step one? Track down her dad and brother that she hasn't seen in eight years. Her anxiety is put to the test, though, when she unveils a truth that could threaten her dreams. Add to that an art competition that pushes her outside of her comfort zone and a girl who seems determined to come between Selena and her hopeful boyfriend.
Soon Selena must decide whether or not to continue her search for her dad and brother. But is there any hope that the ruins of her broken family could be resurrected? And how could God possibly have a purpose in the midst of these changing seasons?
MY THOUGHTS
Let me begin by saying that I wish Christian fiction like this had been around when I was a teen. Fallen Leaves is a YA novel that is entertaining, poignant, and filled with inspiration for our daily walk. Tessa Emily Hall has crafted characters that are relatable and who deal with situations applicable to any young adult. Although picking up where the previous novel, Purple Moon, left off, adequate background is provided so that I had no trouble getting into the story. I am thrilled to find a YA Christian novel of this quality and have no hesitancy in recommending it to all teens.
Another description comes to my mind, and that is realistic. Real-life situations and addictions are dealt with tactfully and with a message that readers can take to heart. Selena’s mom had “broken the promise of a ‘new beginning,’ leaving me to become her caregiver once again,” and is soon to graduate from rehab when the story opens. I loved the art theme, as Selena is accepted into the prestigious Lake Lure Academy of the Arts in North Carolina. The artistic part of me (musician) makes it easy to connect with Selena’s creative sketching & painting. “Art is a mirror of our souls; a reflection of our deepest longings and emotions.”
Selena is also a new Christian, and I so easily identified with not only her spiritual growth, but occasional steps backward. Selena’s dreams are to reunite her broken family, and to see the relationship with her boyfriend strengthen. The overall message is the timeless issue of trust … giving control to God and trusting that He is good, even when things don’t work out as we’d like, and that His plans are better than anything we could ever come up with.
This story of grace and hope comes to a very satisfying conclusion, and yet is open for much more to come. What makes Fallen Leaves work so well is that Tessa Emily Hall has a heart for teens that shines through her words. To give a hint of what readers can look forward to, I’ll end with this beautiful closing passage …
There’s a lot of hurt that’s been buried in my heart over the years. Brokenness in our family that might take some time to repair.
But I also know that these imperfections can give Him the opportunity to make something new. Something that will be even more beautiful than it was to begin with. Because these cracks in our family? I have a feeling they’ll only allow for more of His light to shine through.
Perhaps that’s why God created autumn … Because He knew that, on the other side of death, new life beckons.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to show them they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago).
In addition to being a frequent contributor to both online and print publications, Tessa’s debut novel was published while still in her teens. She’s the founder and editor-in-chief of PursueMagazine.net, a Christian teen magazine, and enjoys mentoring other young writers.
She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. Tessa’s favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, email list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: http://www.tessaemilyhall.com.
Connect with Tessa: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a FALL KIT, consisting of:
- a signed copy of Fallen Leaves,
- book swag
- a fall candle
- Starbucks Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte
Follow along at JustReadTours for a full list of stops!
https://www.facebook.com/kara.v.marks/posts/10156996490479684
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Kara.
Deletegreat review! Thanks, Carole! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad for the opportunity to read this, Carrie. I'm recommending Fallen Leaves to teens at our church.
DeleteGreat review. Enjoyed
ReplyDeleteThis is a new author to me, I love the cover and it sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDelete