An Evening with bestselling author Shawntelle Madison - The Fallen Fruit

EVENT OVERVIEW: Rainy Day Books and Bliss Books and Wine present Shawntelle Madison, for her new book, The Fallen Fruit on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 6PM at Bliss Books and Wine. Your ticket includes 1 General Admission ticket, a copy of The Fallen Fruit, and 1 glass of wine/beverage.

ABOUT THE NEW BOOK: The Fallen Fruit

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.

Praise:

"In The Fallen Fruit, Shawntelle Madison delivers an Octavia Butleresque page-turning saga about a family bound by blood and the chains of history. This brilliantly imaginative and wildly unpredictable novel is riveting and revelatory." Stephanie Dray, NYT Bestselling Author of Becoming Madam Secretary

“A mesmerizing tale of a family bound by an extraordinary curse—an uncontrollable ability to fall backwards in time. Spanning generations, their saga weaves a rich tapestry of American history, from the Revolutionary War to the brink of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. I loved this book. I wish I could go back in time to read it again for the first time.” Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy

“What an amazing debut novel! The Fallen Fruit follows members of the Bridge family as they cope with a curse that hits every generation. I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down! I am in awe of the amount of research Shawntelle Madison put into The Fallen Fruit. She covers several historical periods in this one story. I felt like I was immersed in each distinct setting as I read. All I can say is: More please!” Kaia Alderson, author of Sisters in Arms

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: New York Times bestselling author Shawntelle Madison has written over 15 titles, most notably the urban fantasy romance series, Coveted, in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy, and romance. Her debut novel, Coveted, was chosen as a B&N Romance Bookseller pick for the month of May 2012.

Ms. Madison is a frequent presenter, appearing on panels at San Diego Comic Con, Romance Writers of America, and ARCON St Louis. Past presentation topics include synopsis writing and world-building.
Ms. Madison is originally from Iowa, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Math from Iowa State University. Recently, she earned an MFA in Writing from Lindonwood University. In her spare time, she also works as a web developer. Ms. Madison currently lives in Missouri with her family.

EVENT DATE & TIME: Friday, September 6, 2024, at 6:30 PM

EVENT LOCATION: Bliss Books and Wine, 3502 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64111

ADMISSION PACKAGE: $40.00 (plus Eventbrite Ticket Fee) includes 1 Hardcover of The Fallen Fruit, 1 Admission Reservation. General Admission Seating/with some high tops to stand.

EVENT FORMAT: Shawntelle Madison will be in discussion for her new book The Fallen Fruit. Your ticket includes 1 General Admission ticket, a copy of The Fallen Fruit, and 1 glass of wine/beverage. There will be mingling, a discussion and Q&A, and book signing.

PLEASE NOTE: Patrons will have their books signed at the event.

DISCLAIMER: All author event sales are final and non-refundable. Eventbrite ticket fees are non-refundable.

Host or Publisher Rainy Day Books