Review: The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Carter

 

About:

After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. She retreats to her aunt's apple orchard in rural North Carolina to collect folk ballads. But amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community, she uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. Tessa gets a glimpse into an almost-forgotten world, encounters a corrupt, small-town political dynasty, and finds superstition and prejudice at every turn.

She's also drawn to Zeke, the handsome but enigmatic orchard caretaker, who shows her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. But battling a conspiracy of silence, Tessa isn't sure if she can trust him. Yet somewhere in the mists of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evil lurks, and a killer is determined to keep the past where it belongs--dead and buried.

My Thoughts:

This was a really tight suspense, mystery, and romance novel that is full of all kinds of secrets. I really enjoyed Zeke and Tessa's relationship. At first they acted as though they really couldn't stand each other. Their back and forth snide remarks were fun to watch. However, they both were only covering up their intense feelings for each other, among other things.

This takes place near the Appalachian's in rural North Carolina where the residents have generations that go way back and they are set in their peculiar ways. Not too mention the crooked political family that seems to hold all the power. 

Zeke and Tessa have their own past demons that they are dealing with, and both are searching for missing women. The atmosphere of the mountains and its people made for a unique story reading experience. Full of danger and secrets, Zeke and Tessa both must uncover what is hidden before they disappear as well. And while they are at it, they may as well fall in love.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.