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cctblog's review
2.0
The Sound of Falling Leaves is a dark, suspenseful novel with touches of light. Tessa is an opera singer who lost the will to sing after nearly dying in a fire. When she goes to stay at her aunt's orchard, she discovers an album by a local folk artist who made one record and disappeared. I really enjoyed Tessa's search for what happened to Leota Byrd and her budding relationship with mountain woman Ouida, who had been a friend and mentor to Leota.
The rest of the book, however, wasn't for me. An evil family, the Cozarts, runs the town - and any time they're involved in the story, things are sure to get violent and/or gruesome, and it was too much for my taste. (I don't enjoy anything even remotely graphic, and this novel crossed the line for me.) I also didn't care for the relationship between Tessa and Zeke, as it felt way too toxic to me. It's true that Zeke was not a believer for most of the novel, so maybe he changed, but his conversion came so close to the end that readers weren't able to actually see that change. I did enjoy the eventual reveal of Zeke's past, but I didn't much care for him as a character.
While this book isn't one I loved, I can appreciate that the thriller aspect of the novel was done well, and those who don't mind when violence gets a little graphic might really enjoy the book. 2-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
The rest of the book, however, wasn't for me. An evil family, the Cozarts, runs the town - and any time they're involved in the story, things are sure to get violent and/or gruesome, and it was too much for my taste. (I don't enjoy anything even remotely graphic, and this novel crossed the line for me.) I also didn't care for the relationship between Tessa and Zeke, as it felt way too toxic to me. It's true that Zeke was not a believer for most of the novel, so maybe he changed, but his conversion came so close to the end that readers weren't able to actually see that change. I did enjoy the eventual reveal of Zeke's past, but I didn't much care for him as a character.
While this book isn't one I loved, I can appreciate that the thriller aspect of the novel was done well, and those who don't mind when violence gets a little graphic might really enjoy the book. 2-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
blackngoldgirlsbookspot's review
4.0
I rarely read suspense stories, as they just have gotten too predictable to consume more than one or two every few months. That said The Sound of Falling Leaves is one of the best Christian suspense books I've read in a long while. There was certainly a sense of danger and foreboding from the start that never really let up. We know who the bad guys are from the beginning but just how/why/when they committed their crimes kept me guessing. There is a lot of bloodshed in this book. I was really surprised with it being Christian fiction and all, but I think in spite of that the messages of hope and overcoming fear with God's help shines through at the end.
I wouldn't say the romance in it is my favorite, as the hero and heroine seemed to go from loathing to insta-love father quickly, but it was definitely not the worst romance I've read. I think this works best going into this book looking for suspense rather than romance. Also, I think this is a story that will appeal to both the ladies and the gentleman. The author does a great job at developing both Tessa and Zeke and makes them both relatable.
This is the first book I've read by Lisa Carter and I'm happy to add her next book, A Vast and Gracious Tide, set in the Outer Banks (my happy place!). In the meantime, I'll give this book a reread! Recommended!
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
I wouldn't say the romance in it is my favorite, as the hero and heroine seemed to go from loathing to insta-love father quickly, but it was definitely not the worst romance I've read. I think this works best going into this book looking for suspense rather than romance. Also, I think this is a story that will appeal to both the ladies and the gentleman. The author does a great job at developing both Tessa and Zeke and makes them both relatable.
This is the first book I've read by Lisa Carter and I'm happy to add her next book, A Vast and Gracious Tide, set in the Outer Banks (my happy place!). In the meantime, I'll give this book a reread! Recommended!
~ My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ~
*I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
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