This book absolutely captivated me and pulled me in from the very beginning. The characters are beautifully written and the struggles they face truly show the high level of research that was done by the author in order to write this book. The beginning moments of the time travel each character experienced was top-notch, and the way that they each chose to cope with that reality was very well done and done in a way that I have never before read or even heard of.

I for sure believe that this title would be an easier read in hard cover/paperback, just for the sake of needing to go back and forth to the wonderfully laid out family tree - that was not easily accomplished on an e-reader.

The ending however was the most spectacular ending that I never could have even imagined. This book is well worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Shawntelle Madison for this eArc! All opinions were my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC! I'm a huuuuge sucker for time travel, which was what initially drew me to this book: Madison does a wonderful job drawing the reader into the various time periods her characters experience, as well as fleshing out the relationships those characters have in their home time periods as well as the relationships they forge in order to make their way into new lives in the past. The various POV characters each have their own voice that keep the narrative interesting, and their perspectives enable readers to see the way some other members of the Bridge family find their way into the past and onto the family land. Once the book really got going in Amelia's section it was hard to put down. Kudos to Shawntelle Madison!

I feel a little conflicted with this review. I like the story but I was also confused a lot and feel like so much was left unanswered and I'm not sure if that was on purpose with the time travel elements. But it was entertaining and the storyline was a cool concept.

This was string offering for a debut. Very interesting concept of time travel during that time period being a family curse. There were a few unanswered questions so hopefully there will be a sequel.

This is a historical time travel novel where I stayed lost and had no idea who I was with most of the time. The Bridge family is cursed and one sibling in each generation "falls" back in time. This is a very confusing book. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this review copy

The Fallen Fruit is a multigenerational story about the Bridge family, and the curse they live under. To every set of siblings born to a Bridge man, one of the children will disappear by the time they turn 27, only to reappear at some point in the past. This book partially explores how the family first realizes that their cursed, the complications of how to create a life if you know you're going to vanish at some point, and the adherence to the rules they've laid out about not interfering with past events.

Throughout the novel different parts focus on different family members, and at the end of the novel I was left truly in awe by how Madison wove her tale. In my opinion, time travel novels are very very difficult to get right and she does an expert job with this. I rarely focus on something so broad in my reviews, but the plot of this novel was outstanding.

Unfortunately, I thought the rest of the novel was just meh. The writing was bland, most of the characters felt pretty similar to each other, and I often found myself getting bored. HOWEVER, because of the nature of this novel, it seemed like as soon as I started getting bored, we would move on to another character in another time, revitalizing my interest.

Once again I find myself with mixed feelings for how to rate this, because obviously I'm enthralled with the broader aspects of this story, but I'm simultaneously disappointed that the rest of the novel wasn't nearly as good.

Shawntelle Madison’s historical fiction debut is a family saga about the inevitability of fate, the invincibility of love, and the ineradicable bonds of family.
On a rainy day in May 1964, history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis begins to search the sixty-five acres of land she inherited from her father’s family. There she learns that, in every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes. She comes to find that they actually fall back int time. With only a family Bible and a map marked with the locations of mysterious containers to aid her, Cecily heads to the library, hoping to discover the truth of how this curse began. As she researches, she encounters a variety of ancestors, each one with their own unique story.
It takes some time to truly understand what is going on with the book, but as the themes and underlying story become apparent, I was pulled into the novel. Visiting people in each generation really shows you how family changes but stays the same. The book also looks at the idea of attempting fate and changing time though it is taboo. Each character has their own story, and you care about each one and when you see how they mix, Madison really shines. There is a good mood feeling entwined with tragedies. I would love to read short stories about each of the family members who fell through time.
The story ends beautifully, and you almost forget the large plot hole that the author has created. The person who starts the curse is only in one branch of the family! Also, that person did not have kids. I don’t understand how the curse is extended to the rest of the family. Sorry for any spoilers but it’s a criticism that needs to be made.
Even with the huge plot hole, I enjoyed what Madison created. I cared for the characters and the family ties really pull the heartstrings. Just enjoy it; don’t think about anything practical.

It’s usual for me not to find something I like about a book that I stick with hoping it will get better. Unfortunately, I never found anything to like about this novel. It felt like a chore to read. I was hoping for a good time travel story like Kindred by Octavia Butler or the Tmeless series by Gabrielle Meyer but this book really fell short for me. The time travel story was hard to unravel from the side stories and unnecessary dialogue. Some of the characters were followed throughout their time travels and others just disappeared and if they had a story, I missed it amongst the hodgepodge of characters, many of whom were called by different names at different times. So confusing! I didn’t understand why the author chose to name a character then switch to a nickname within a paragraph or two. For instance, Sabrina becomes Bree and Rebecca becomes Reba and this just added to a confusing cast of too many characters overall. I guess I’m giving the book a two star rating for the author’s efforts but I did not enjoy it at all like some reviewers did. Each to their own, I guess.

A stunning, truly unique take on time travel and parallel realities. When history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis inherits her paternal family's farm, she discovers all sorts of interesting things hidden on the grounds and inside the derelict cabins bordering the once-thriving apple orchard. Intrigued by the items, and the strange curse that's said to plague her family--in which one of the offspring from each Bridge patriarch falls through time in every generation--Cecily is determined to find the answers to the curse before *she's* fated to disappear, as her father's only child.

While the family rules forbid interfering with past events, rules are meant to be broken. As a mother of boys with Bridge blood, Cecily's future descendants are at risk. To free her family of the curse, Cecily must uncover the "tipping point" event that set off their family's uncommon legacy, even if it means embracing the inevitability of her own vanishing.

Told from multiple points-of-view from several characters in the Bridge family line, this story winds like a river, carving a path through the past in rich detail. Faced with slavery, war, grief, illness, and surviving in a country and culture that seeks to subjugate them, Cecily's ancestors' voices rise in this poignant and hopeful story about identity, family, and the inevitable power of fated love. You'll want to read it again after you've finished, to admire the masterful way Madison's storytelling weaves together every surprising thread in this epic tale.

Thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review

it took me a while to get into this book, but once I was invested, this turned out to be a well crafted storyline with interesting characters. The ending left we feeling all the emotions. will be recommending to the right audience.

I really enjoyed this - the way the author weaves back and forth between narratives of different members of the family is really pleasant and it leaves questions open until they are later addressed.

At first I was confused about the format, but once I figured that out, I was on the edge of my seat.

And the fact that all of the characters here are not only dealing with real historic events, but are also based on real people in the author's family tree (see Author's Note), makes it all even better.

Would definitely recommend if you like historical fiction (or historical fantasy).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for granting me a free and advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really liked the idea of this book, but I struggled to get into it. I think the writing style just didn’t click for me while I was reading it. Still an interesting premise and I will be recommending this to friends that I think would enjoy it, it just wasn't for me.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Amistad. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Family Saga, African American Literature, Historical Fiction
Spice Level: Nothing blatant on the page
Language: I don't remember any profanity
Representation: Almost all the characters are Black

Wow! Just WOW! And this is a debut! Seriously, it's hard to believe this is the first book from this author.

THE FALLEN FRUIT is one of the best and most intriguing books I've read in 2024. I was fully vested in all of the characters' lives.

I really can't say too much because I want you to have the same riveting experience I had while reading this.

The basic premise is that a family is cursed. This curse manifests as time travel for certain members, which also necessitates rules for the family to survive—especially if the person is sent back to the time of slavery.

I feel like the author gives the reader a broad understanding of different time periods and the Black experience. It was especially interesting to see that some early African Americans intentionally immigrated to America instead of being captured and enslaved.

The powerful emotions of loss, hope, and perseverance are throughout the novel.

I highly recommend this book to all readers. I think everyone can gain something from this book.

Happy reading!

This was a compelling historical fantasy about the Bridge family curse. It spans multiple generations, with a few rules for the family: Never interfere with past events. Always carry your freedom papers. Search for the survival packs in the orchard. Do not speak to strangers unless absolutely necessary. Why? Someone will fall back in time with each generation. The book was interesting but a slow read. I liked seeing each viewpoint from the different family members.

This book is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, offering a rich exploration of family trauma and healing through a multi-generational saga. While the overall premise is intriguing, the jumbled storytelling and frequent name changes made it a bit tricky to follow, especially in digital format without a family tree for reference. While the plot nicely interwove themes of fate, destiny, and trauma it also leaves too many unanswered questions, and the end, feeking unsatisfying. However, despite its flaws, the story's vivid writing and marvelous world building made it a thought-provoking read overall.

Advanced Reader Copy, publish date Sept 3, 2024. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read more books!

The Fallen Fruit is a historical fantasy about the Bridge family, a free black family cursed to fall through time. It follows several different characters throughout time as they cope with falling themselves or loosing a loved one from falling.

I am having a hard time figuring out how to feel about this book honestly.

On one hand, it is a rich historical exploration of family trauma and healing with a fantastical twist but on the other hand, there are so many unanswered questions and confusing plot elements and overall, it lacked depth. It is told non-linearly and as characters fall through time, their name changes so keeping up with everyone was overwhelming. There were a lot of side / supporting characters that were superfluous but distracted from the plot, and overall, it was very challenging to follow. Especially reading this on a digital book, because I couldn’t use the Bridge family tree to help figure out who I was reading about and how they were related but found myself wishing I could flip back and figure out who was who. I even tried googling it (to no avail sadly). I also feel like this book wants to tell a story about generational trauma and healing, but it doesn’t do it successfully. The stakes didn’t feel high enough, the loss and pain didn’t feel deep enough. I didn’t feel connected to any character.

I also must say, I am so annoyed at the ending. From the jump, we were trying to solve a curse and understand why the Bridge family has this affliction. So much so, a family member breaks one of the Bridge family’s sacred rules and interferes with the past trying to change the future. The entire last part of the book is focused on just that, changing the future (a specific, horrific event where multiple members of the Bridge family were murdered by one of their own fallen) and figuring out the origin of this family curse. But the answer never reveals itself. And instead of ending with answers or on a cliffhanger with clues, letting the reader infer, it just ends, without even a mention of all of that. In fact, the mass-murder is never mentioned again. It is like it forgot what story it was telling and instead, decided to make it a story of accepting one’s fate. I am confused and have so many questions. Not my favorite way to end a book.

2.75 stars.

I found myself drawn into a world that beautifully intertwines urban fantasy with rich character dynamics. The protagonist is relatable and well-developed, navigating a unique society filled with both intriguing lore and complex relationships. I appreciated the author's vivid descriptions that brought the setting to life, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
However, the pacing occasionally dragged in the middle, making it hard to stay fully engaged at times. The plot had strong twists, but I felt some resolutions were rushed or left underexplored. Despite these, the emotional depth and relatable struggles of the characters kept me invested.
Overall, it’s a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective in the genre.

In The Fallen Fruit, historical fiction meets magical realism with a dash of murder mystery. This ivast, multi-generational story is told over 200 years of family history with a non-linear timeline and multiple POVs told in the 3rd person.

What I liked:
* Unique premise
* Cecily timeline woven throughout to connecting everything
* Characters from different eras connecting via time travel
* Historical context/connection to real life events
* Mystery element

What challenged me:
* Very large cast of characters to keep up with
* Nicknames made it even harder to keep characters straight
* Jumped around often (from chapter to chapter and flashbacks within chapters as well), I had a hard time keeping track of the time periods
* Family tree was somewhat helpful, but would have liked a more in depth character map/timeline. Perhaps an appendix that mirrors the family bible would be a useful addition.

Overall, I enjoyed the premise of this book. It is told from an important and often under-represented perspective in American history. I would have preferred if the book focused on Cecily and Emily and parts two and three were told more brief with less attention given to the day-to-day life of each family member. I would have liked to see more elements of the murder mystery introduced earlier in the book to speed up the pace a bit.

If you’re looking to take your time and savor a book, this is a good choice. I don’t typically annotate books, but it may be helpful to keep a running list of dates and characters as you read.

I don’t always find historical fiction grabbing me as an adult, but the combo of historical fiction/sci fi worked so well here. Madison deftly uses multiple perspectives to weave not just one story, but an entire family mythology. The author’s note in the back connecting these characters to her own family? That really packed a punch.

I enjoyed exploring ideas of fate, destiny, and echoes of the past while reading The Fallen Fruit. Well-handled historical details reminded me of the best parts of Tamora Pierce, the Doomsday Book, and Justina Ireland’s historical fantasy. The Fallen Fruit feels simultaneously very grounded with authentic humans while also opening up a lot of unknowns to mull over.

I was looking for just a bit more plot resolution than I think I got, but overall the time I spent with this story was well worth it.

"Combining history and fantasy, a sweeping multi-generational epic in the vein of Kindred and The Time Traveler's Wife about a woman who travels through time to end a family curse that has plagued her ancestors for generations.

On a rainy day in May 1964, history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis begins to search for the sixty-five acres of land she inherited from her father's family. The quest leads her to uncover a dark secret: In every generation, one offspring from each Bridge family unit vanishes - and is mysteriously whisked back in time. Rules have been established that must be followed to prevent dire consequences:

Never interfere with past events.

Always carry your free Negro papers.

Search for the survival family packs in the orchard and surrounding forest. The ribbon on the pack designates the decade the pack was made to orient you in time.

Do not speak to strangers unless absolutely necessary.

With only a family Bible and a map marked with the locations of mysterious containers to aid her, Cecily heads to the library, hoping to discover the truth of how this curse began, and how it might be ended. As she moves through time, she encounters a circle of ancestors, including Sabrina Humbles, a free Black woman who must find the courage to seize an opportunity - or lose her heart; Luke Bridge, who traverses battlefields, slavery, and time itself to reunite with his family; Rebecca Bridge, a mother tested by an ominous threat; and Amelia Bridge, a young woman burdened with survivor's guilt who will face the challenge of a lifetime - and change Cecily's life forever. It is a race through time and against the clock to find the answers that will free her family forever.

Shawntelle Madison's historical fiction debut is an enthralling, page-turning family saga about the inevitability of fate, the invincibility of love, and the indelible bonds of family."

And hopefully it has a nice happy ending after all that generational trauma.