Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC for reading and review.
It's an epic tale with time travel (my favorite) and some historical fiction.
This is the story of the Bridge family and the curse of time travel that plagues the family. Through different characters, the reader visits different periods, meeting several members of the Bridge family and how the time travel affects the entire family.
I enjoyed the writing, the events covered, and the time periods that are the story's focus.
I think the story is well-paced.
You do have to pay close attention, and a few times I found the events a little confusing.
Overall it is a book that kept my attention, and I enjoyed the characters and the story

I was nervous to read this. Ultimately, I'm glad I did, but this in general is just hard to read. The romance made sense and the history/mystery of it all was captivating, but there were a few questions I had that didn't get answered and the pacing was kind of all over the place for me. Oddly enough, I still am not fully sure how to rate this one. There was a lot I liked and a lot that I wasn't so sure about. I do think people should read it because I see a lot of people loving it so much.

Cecily Bridge-Davis is a college professor who lives in Nashville with her husband and two sons. When she learns that she inherited a plot of land from her father’s family, she travels to Charlottesville, VA to check out the property, in hopes of selling it. When she arrives, she discovers several cabins, an apple orchard, and the original Bridge family house. Long abandoned, she explores the property and finds some interesting items. The Bridge family records dating back to the late 1700s, a map marking hidden survival kits among the land, and the (mysterious) Bridge Family Rules. Confused and curious, Cecily begins researching her family history. She discovers the Bridge Family Curse: one offspring from each Bridge family unit in each generation suddenly vanishes before the age of 27 and falls back in time. Once a child in that unit falls, the remaining siblings are safe. Once Cecily learns this, she realizes that she herself will fall soon, being only 26 years old. While she doesn’t now where the curse originated or how to break it, she wonders if any of her ancestors have the power to do so. So she takes the unadvisable risk to try to change the past and free her family. The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison is a time travel historical fiction novel that follows five generations of Bridge women as they experience inevitable loss and prepare for uncertain futures.

The Fallen Fruit was quite the journey for this reader. Madison’s careful attention to detail and consistency with a complex narrative will capture readers’ attention. Once I got the hang of the story, the characters, and how the chain of events are all connected, I deeply felt for the family and their circumstances. Not only that, but the implications that the Bridges are an African American family whose members fall back in time are terrifying. Imagine one moment you’re sitting in a cabin speaking with your family. Then the next moment you’re in a field in the middle of no where. You don’t know where you are, or when you are, or what happened, or why. And suddenly someone approaches you with a weapon to bring you back to authorities because they think you’re a runaway slave. Terrifying is an understatement.

The only problems I have with The Fallen Fruit are the open-ended mystery of a horrible tragedy committed by one of the Bridge men. It’s not clear why he did what he did – we don’t get the scene on the page. It’s possible that I didn’t connect the dots. But it was a mystery throughout the book and I so wanted that explanation. And without spoiling the ending, it’s not what I expected. One might argue that things are left unresolved, but my interpretation is that the truth is a bit more heartbreaking. Readers will have to check it out for themselves – which I highly recommend, nevertheless.

This book was so well researched! I enjoyed the story along with the historical elements woven through. The concept of being thrust back in time involuntarily is frightening and very well done here. The way the characters act and behave as they move through time and react to the changes around them in these different time periods is striking. As I have recently read Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, the depth of emotion and meaning behind every interaction was profound. This is a wonderful addition to anyone's library!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a fascinating combination of historical fiction, magical realism, and time travel. Focusing on intergenerational members of an African American family where certain folks fall back through time to the past, there is incredible conversation around what it means to be black at different points of history, how we find the perseverance to keep going, and what we preserve and protect for those who come after us.

At times, the story was a bit slow, and with the format of vignettes following different characters, I had a few stories I liked better than others and wished for more time with them. On the whole, the novel was captivating, and at points, heartbreaking in the way that the characters’ relationships were rendered. Learning as well that certain aspects of the family history were inspired by the author’s own family was so interesting, and kept me engaged throughout.

Overall, I give this 3.5⭐️, rounded down to 3⭐️ on Goodreads

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This was my first time reading S.C. Lalli, and I received The Plus One as an ARC from NetGalley. The novel presents an intriguing premise with its blend of luxury, suspense, and mystery. The plot is engaging, with several twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. The character development is a mixed bag. Shay is a relatable protagonist, and her perspective as an outsider adds an interesting dynamic to the story. However, some of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to fully connect with the broader narrative. The interactions between the characters are filled with tension and drama, but at times, the motivations behind their actions seemed a bit forced. The pacing of the novel is generally good, though the first half felt a bit slow. The setting of a luxurious resort adds a glamorous backdrop to the unfolding mystery, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The ending, while surprising, left a few questions unanswered, which might be frustrating for some readers. Overall, The Plus One is a decent read with a unique premise and an engaging central mystery. Despite its flaws, it shows promise for S.C. Lalli as a writer. #netgalley #theplusone

*The Fallen Fruit* by Shawntelle Madison offers a captivating blend of time travel and family drama, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story weaves together elements of history and personal discovery. The main character’s journey to uncover her heritage and the mysteries surrounding her family kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're a fan of *Kindred*, I’m confident you’ll appreciate this novel as well, as it similarly explores themes.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

DNF at 33%.
My first DNF ever, which pains me a little since I am a completionist.

I was on board with this novel for the first third. I enjoyed the writing style and the concept, and I was getting invested in the characters.

And then the Luke plot line appeared. To summarize: <spoiler> Luke is a young man (17-19 ish, I don't remember his exact age) engaged to Addy, who is a bit younger than him (15-16 I think). Addy's sister Sabrina (17) loves Luke, but her family wants him to marry Addy, which he agrees to do. He is a member of the Bridge family, and the first to fall to the Bridge family curse. He falls 22 years into the past, becoming enslaved despite having freedom papers, and eventually regains his freedom, fights alongside his uncles, and returns home, arriving 6 days after his initial appearance. He had barely been gone in his family's eyes, but 22 years had passed for him. The family accepts that this stranger is Luke without a whole lot of trouble, and soon decides to move forward with the wedding to Addy. Sabrina and Luke have a heart to heart where they admit their feelings for each other, but the wedding with Addy moved forward. </spoiler> This is where I stopped.

Perhaps later in the book this is addressed, but I could not continue because I was so utterly disturbed by the age gap present between Luke and the two girls after he returned. I could not fathom why moving forward with the wedding was still an option or how Sabrina and Luke could still have a conversation about feelings given that gap. Again, maybe I did not read far enough for this to be rectified, but I simply did not wish to continue knowing that this plot line would be present.

I realize this is not a novel about age gaps or child marriages, that it is more focused on the realities that black people faced in the past and continue to face today. From the portion I read, I can see it relays its main message powerfully. I know that historically, people married younger and age gaps were less of a concern. Nevertheless, It is simply an individual choice that I made to not continue reading after a child marriage occurred.

I think every now and then I find a book that kind of exceeds my expectations and this was one of them.

This book combines history and fantasy. Spanning the 1750s through the 1960s, The Fallen Fruit is a sweeping multi-generational epic about the Bridges, a family of free Black Virginians who have a dark secret: in every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes and is mysteriously whisked back in time.
Fate is a central theme of the book. We have Cecily, who learns about the family curse and is desperate to prevent it so that she won’t be parted from her family. In an attempt to stop the curse, she breaks one of the Bridge family rules: Never interfere with past events, and she enacts a plan to find the answers that will free her family forever. The story then follows different members of the Bridge family as they lose family members to this time-traveling curse.
This book is a great portrayal of the grief that comes with loss, both for those who travel backward in time and for those they leave behind. From the perspective of mothers, sisters, and lovers, we get a multi-faceted look at what it means to leave and to be left behind without closure. I also enjoyed the snippets of history the author gave us regarding free Black people living in the colonies before the Revolutionary War. One of the rules the Bridges developed in response to the curse is to always carry freedom papers as protection in case they fall back in time. Madison touches on how this tactic does and doesn’t work in the family’s favor. Though much of the history is skimmed over, not going into too much detail about any specific events or experiences, it was just enough to color the story and give the setting some dimension.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I did not appreciate the abrupt ending. I felt shortchanged. It felt to me as if it was rushed and incomplete, and I missed conclusions that should have been provided. Overall, I gave this 3 stars primarily because of the ending.

A time twister is this book! The unearthly blessing(curse?) spread through the dna of one particular Bridges family is the subject of this writing, a roadtrip through history with the sci-fi overtones that ask ?how is it done?. Take notes, my friends. They'll help you stay grounded.

This read is for anyone who is ancestry-bound, history-intrigued and time-travel-fascinated. Such a reader will appreciate the work of wonder Shawntell Madison has placed on our bookshelves. The Fallen Fruit is a great read, and one that will bear re-reading as well.

*A sincere thank you to Shawntelle Madison, Amistad, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

"The Fallen Fruit" by Shawntelle Madison is a compelling exploration of love, identity, and the impact of past choices. The rich, immersive world-building draws readers in, creating a vibrant backdrop for the characters' journeys. Madison's writing is both poignant and engaging, balancing moments of humor with deeper emotional themes. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her past with her present adds a layer of complexity that resonates throughout the narrative. Overall, this novel is a beautifully crafted story that invites reflection on the nature of belonging and the power of forgiveness.

A multigenerational family cursed with time traveling. One child born from a Bridge family will one day disappear and find themselves back in time. This was an interesting story about a woman determined to break her family’s curse and stop them from “falling”. There are many characters to keep track of and sometimes I did get lost but the story was so well told that you can figure out who’s who. Plus the author put in a family tree which was somewhat helpful. This a story filled with strong willed women who are able to survive in any time period. I recommend this book to fans of Kindred.

Involuntary time-travel for black people is always an interesting premise and The Fallen Fruit deals with several generations of one family and their experiences with traveling back in time. The story is told from multiple perspectives with rich historical context. It is sometimes hard to read, to see the struggle that the families live through and the the impact the fear of disappearance impacts each generation. Overall an immersive read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

An interesting take on the time travel trope. Fun and unique elements of fantasy and science fiction. Great debut!

Oh my goodness. What a story. The Fallen Fruit by Shawntelle Madison, which I'd consider historical fantasy, is a unique and heartfelt story that combines family, tradition, and a touch of magic. It follows a family with a curse... a curse where each generation, one child born from a Bridge man will fall back in time before they turn 27. They can’t control when this occurs, nor how far back in time they'll travel. In an attempt to escape the inevitable, the main character Cecily attempts to change fate.

I adored the author's ability to paint pictures of the lives of these characters and their stories, and the way the author weaves in cultural themes made it really special. The emotional depth caught me off guard in the best way, and I loved seeing the character's growth throughout the book. Madison also provided a look into the lives led by free Black Americans in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, which was really powerful and something I was grateful to learn more about. It was a really great read as someone who loves speculative fiction, and I will be recommending it to many others.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Fallen Fruit for free in exchange for an honest review!

Sorry, I didn't get going. with this book. After reading the synopsis more carefully, I realized I wouldn't like it - I'm not a fan of gerenerational sagas with time travel. Thank you for the opportunity. 5 stars for shits and giggles.

📖: The Fallen Fruit-a standalone

✍️ By: Shawntelle Madison -a debut author

📃 Page Count: 448 eBook

🗓️ Publication Date: 9-3-24, Read 10-8-24

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Amistad, and the author Shawntelle Madison for this ARC❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

🌎Setting: Charlottesville, VA 1760s-1920s

Genre: Historical Fic/Fantasy, AA Interests, Women's Fic, Time Travel

Tropes: quest, family drama, hidden truths

POV: multiple, 3rd person

⚠️TW: slavery, racism, misogyny, estranged father, family disappearances, murder, depression, physical abuse, miscarriage, surprise pregnancy


💭Summary: Cecily Bridge-Davis has inherited 65 acres of land from her father's family that she knows nothing about. She travels to VA and discovers the Bridge family secret of time travel. Through her research she discovers lost family members in an attempt to break the curse.

Heroes

🚹1880-Luke Bridge-The 1st Bridge male to time travel, marries Addy (Bree's sister) but was in love w/ Bree. Went missing for 22 years-fought in American Revolution

🚹1919- Isaiah-Millie's brother prepared to fall through time always carrying survival packs and has a heart condition. He disappears

🚹1919-Uncle Oswald-takes Millie to Washington D.C. where she goes to college to become a doctor. He's married to Alma+ 2 daughters

🚹1758-Matthew Abramson- an African field hand, falls in love w/ Emily

Heroines

🚺1817-Rebecca "Reba" Raley-Bridge-a teacher, husband Herbert + 3 kids Jimmy, Annie and Georgie
🚺1880-Sabrina "Bree" Humbles-raised by grandparents, sister Addy marrying Luke

🚺 1919- Amelia "Millie" Bridge/Emily Bridge-every year she and her brother Isaiah search for lost Bridges in the apple orchard. Her parents Dinah +Albert-both deceased

🚺1964, current day-Cecily Bridges-Davis- husband Winston + 2 sons

🤔 My Thoughts: This was an epic family saga featuring different characters' POV. Cecily's ancestors endured war, slavery, grief at losing their loved ones. The book also addressed the trails of motherhood, marriage, and the importance of education. A 5 ✨ debut, congrats S. Madison!

Range of emotions: 😬🤔🙄
🌶️: Spice 2/5-all off page
😭: Emotion 5/5
⭐️: Rating 5/5

Incredible depth, every character felt real and powerful. You can tell how much love the author had for this story.

However, I’m not sure what my takeaway is supposed to be from it. That everything happens for a reason? That we’re bound to a fate we can’t control? That hope and love are all we can live for?

I almost wish we’d found out about Matthew being Luke’s dad sooner so we could backtrack and understand why the curse is on Matthew’s family. I think I just wanted a clean resolution, but that’s not what the story demands. Life is messy, timelines are messy, and you’ve just gotta accept it.

Cecily was the hardest character to stomach because I felt like her loss was so unbelievable, that she had to lose everything to go back to try to stop it all or at least change it, only to lose it all again and repeat the cycle indefinitely.

This historical fantasy is also an epic family saga that could not be put down. In this pick from the September 2024 book releases, Cecily Bridge-Davis is researching her family curse and trying to figure out how to break it. One member of the family in every generation from her father's side falls back in time. The family has rules that every member of the family is taught from a young age. They learn how to survive in the past.

As she learns more about her family and her past, we also move through the past and meet the members of the Bridge family. Will she ever be able to find out where the curse began and find a way to stop it?

I was not sure what to expect when reading this book but I had high hopes. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. The narrative is brilliant. As the reader meets more members of the Bridge family, more of the story comes together and we get one step closer to solving the mystery of the family curse of falling through time.