AN AMAZON PICK FOR BEST ROMANCE BOOKS OF 2019 AN AMAZON PICK FOR BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH “When Ashes Fall is a tautly written, complex, and emotionally-charged love story that takes the reader on an unforgettable, unexpected, and deeply moving journey.” —USA Today It’s been said that you can’t love two men at the same time.You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.But I’m here to … time.
You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half.
But I’m here to tell you, you can.
Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and unpredictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm.
Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day.
Both are mine.
But I can have only one.
There are two sides to this tale.
I’m here to tell you mine.
If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong.
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What a beautiful & touching love story!
When I say I want or need to read a great love story, a story like THIS is what comes to mind. I love emotionally charged romances!! They are without a doubt my favorite. You could FEEL THE EMOTIONS bleed from these pages and they were so intense at moments that I almost couldn’t breathe.
This is NOT your typical love triangle and I adore the unique spin the author took. I wasn’t even 10% in and I had all of these possibilities running wild in my mind. I could NOT put it down, even when I had to put it down I’d find myself trying to sneak in as many words as I could even knowing I’d only get 3 minutes to read… once I started this book I JUST NEEDED THESE WORDS!
I loved each of these characters, yet I had my moments with Dylan!! I felt his actions didn’t always match up with his feelings when it came to Alix and it was upsetting at times! Smith was my favorite out of them all for more than one reason, but mostly because I felt like their demons spoke to each other. My heart just hurt for Alix over and over again, I’d often find tears in my eyes while reading because you could just feel the pain seep from these pages.
As far as the plot, I was constantly surprised which is great considering I figured out one of the main parts of the story VERY early on. Some might not enjoy figuring things out early on but I thrive on it. I love it! It didn’t matter that I figured it out early on, because Marni Mann continued to surprise me with the story as time went on. So in the end the bigger overall picture was soooo much more than that part I predicted in the first few chapters!
I can’t really talk about my favorite things because I don’t want to spoil anything but just make sure to read the authors note at the end when you’re done reading the book. Finding out an authors reason for writing the book can often help fuel an even deeper appreciation for the message that they were trying to get across during the story. The message in this one was beautiful and most definitely the kind that many need.
FYI for those who might be concerned about cheating…I am asking you to give this book a chance! It is not what you think!
This book was an INCREDIBLE and BEAUTIFUL journey of letting go and learning to open your heart to love again! I smiled and I cried, boy did I cry but I wouldn’t have had it any other way because this is a book that I’ll be thinking about for awhile…….ALL THE FEELS!!!
Marni Mann is a new author to me and this is the first book I’ve read from her and all I can say is WOW…..an AMAZING first read! This is a book that needs to be read, need to be experienced but make sure you have plenty of tissues because it will break you before it heals you!
Probably the best love story I’ve read in a long time. The suspense and emotional buildup to the climax were like walking on a tightrope. It’s a tearjerker. I ugly-cried. But it had a happy for now ending.
Magnificent!
If it were ever possible to give this read more stars, I would. Written in perfect prose overflowing with beauty, I was literally left me speechless. Powerful and heartbreaking, When Ashes Fall is one extraordinary romance not to be missed. Bravo, Mann!
Good book must pay attention because bounces around in time
I knew going in that this would be a sad story. I loved to see the journey of the friendship between Smith and Alex. It was such a sweet powerful story that came alive as I listened to it from page one until the end. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions. I also enjoyed Rose as a side character. Would love to learn more about her someday. Dylan was also an important character in this story. Have the tissues ready.
What an emotional read. The way this story is written is interesting. Its different and I enjoyed that about it. There were definitely tears as it deals with some pretty heavy issues. Sometimes romance is about heat and steam, other times its about swooning, and then like in this case it is about healing and hope. Its best to go in blind and without expectations although I did figure out what was going on early on which might have been by design. I thank Marni Mann for tapping out these words and pages.
This was quite a ride. It is a grab you type of story. Alix journey is interesting, tough and heartbreaking. I try putting myself in her place and I couldn’t even imagine but I also think that as scary as it might sound I might react to life the way she did.
Food for thought.
I really enjoyed this book and most of my questions were answered with the exception of maybe 2. And at this point IDK if it’s me overthinking or if the author didn’t explain it…. I’ll never know but it’s not a deal breaker.
Rarely does a good romance bring me to tears. I can probably count on one hand those that have. This review will be difficult to give without revealing some major spoilers. However, I can only say that while several possibilities of where we were going occurred to me as I read (in 2 sittings because I couldn’t put it down), the big reveal was so emotional and heart-rendering that tears just fell and fell. You will begin to read that Alix Rayne, a 911 operator, obviously has two men in her life. Two very lovable, sexy, loving, caring men – – Dylan and Smith. I was filled with warmth over the situation that Alix found herself in. I was tossed and torn, excited, flushed, and jealous of both of her men. I was bowled over by the secrets and the revelations of them, the love, the bonds, the shared paths of past and future, and I can truly say this was one of the most unique and surprising books I’ve read in a very long time and I’ve read hundreds of romance novels. I think this may be my first Marni Mann book but it certainly won’t be my last. The ending will grab you, churn you up and toss you about. You don’t want to miss it. Miss Mann wrote a beautiful, sexy, loving, emotional, touching story that brings real life right into your mind.
OMG I can’t stop CRYING!!!! This book slayed me! This was my first book by Marni Mann and I’m completely hooked! My mind was completely blown! Her writing was so good! I can’t even write more than this in this review because my mind is completely fried because I’m so emotional. There’s only been 1 other book that got to me like this book did. Grab the tissues!!
Marni has written a real tear-jerker here, friends! It’s a beautiful book that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Get yourself a box of Kleenex and settle in to bawl!
A beautifully written, poignant book by Ms Mann. The stunning cover drew me in, the blurb intrigued me and the story had me engaged within a few chapters. It was a book of hope that even on the darkest days the sun is still out trying to peek through the clouds and eventually the clouds move and we are warmed by a sunny day. The characters were well developed and relatable, I loved that although they seemed to have everything they were a little broken, because we all have vulnerabilities.
Alix was a paramedic, but something happened and now she works in the call centre. Her best friend Rose is a straight shooter and is trying to get Alix back into the dating scene. So as all good friends do, they gently push you even if you don’t agree. As Alix is on her way to meet her date, she comes across a man in distress trying to awaken his friend. She does as she is trained checks his vitals and calls 911. All the while she engages in a conversation with his friend, asking questions to not only help the patient, but also as a distraction for the friend. She feels compelled to reach out a day later to see how he got on. As they say you’ll find love when you least expect to.
This book will have you enthralled, glued to the seat and not wanting to let go, crying, smiling, having your heart skip beats and get all fluttery and you will be so affected by this book for we have all been where Alix is in wanting more moments and not being able to let go. Wanting just one more moment and sunny day with ones we love and not knowing how to move forward.
Marni Mann has written a beautifully emotionally powerful book that you are just in the moments with the characters and feeling all that they feel. You are intrigued by the blurb and drawn in from there and the clutches of the book doesn’t let you go even after the last page. The emotion that Marni is able to pull from you and have you feel is amazing and beautiful. I would say this is Marni’s best work yet.
The characters you can’t help but love. Alix is in such pain it bleeds from the page. You can see and feel her guilt, sadness and how she hasn’t moved forward. You can see how tired she is and as she is with Smith how her days become more bright but she is feeling stuck and scared. Scared to let go, scared to feel and scared to bring someone into her world. She is feeling guilt as well and fears losing Dylan. She holds back and this book is her journey to learning to let someone in, to seeing that the memories are always there and of moving forward. It is the story of Dylan as well. How he fell in love with Alix and how he helps Alix to move forward and see that he will always be there in her heart and it is okay to have sunny days with someone else. He in his own way encourages it.
Rose is strong and stubborn. She is a loyal friend and you can see she truly has Alix’s best interests at heart. Great character.
Smith- you can’t help but love. He is loyal, honest, hardworking and kind. He has a past that has him with demons as well but he has learned to not be paralyzed by them. He sees Alix and sees her pain but it doesn’t matter for he is intrigued and attracted to her. He is patient with Alix and knows that he will get all of her once she confronts her demons. Demons that are so emotionally gut wrenching your heart tears in two as you read what happened.
For me the book is a bit of nostalgia as we go through the streets of Boston and see Bakeries that I have been to and enjoyed, strolled down streets I frequently walked. It also had a bit of a personal touch not only for this but for the pivotal moment in Alix’s life that had her world shatter and her life need to be picked up again I was at that moment in Boston and can relate to all that she is feeling and seeing.
The writing is mesmerizing and amazing. The romance a slow draw but so enticing that you can’t help but root for Smith and Alix to come out of this together and stronger. But Smith and how he wanted to be Alix’s sunny day and how he was so supportive, patient and understanding has you woo and swoon. The journey of Alix is so heartbreaking and heartwarming and just evokes so many emotions in you. This is a book that even after you are down you don’t want the story to end.
Such a beautiful book and one you feel proud and privileged to have been a part of through your reading when you are through.
This was my first Marni Mann book and I was really wow’d! So romantic! When Ashes Fall is an emotional and all-encompassing story. It’s a beautiful, honest, and raw love story. It left me feeling emotional but satisfied. It is also a story within a story within a story. Marni Mann fills us with layers and layers of depth and surprises. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I recommend you go in blind and enjoy this amazing story. It really touched my heart.
Come and get to know and love Alix, the structured, ritualistic, raw, strong, independent, and shy heroine. And Dylan, oh Dylan! Dylan Cole. Successful, charming. Watch them face challenges. But also come and fall in love with 2 men – Dylan and…..(no spoilers)
“This was another moment. And I felt the celebration in every part of my body.”
Many people will realize the “twist,” but it doesn’t matter. Marni kept me guessing almost until the end. The story weaves and winds until it is finally pulled together. And that ending…all of the pieces fell into place! I look forward to more of Marni’s stories! Celebrate your moments!
5 stars
#AuthorMarniMann #WhenAshesFall #Love #Romance #AlixAndDylan
I will give 10 stars if I could for this book.
Very emotional and heart-wrenching story. I do enjoy some sad and very deep storylines, this is one I very much savored to the end.
Sunny days
I loved at lot about this book ,
It’s hard to say much without giving. Anything away but my favorite concepts from it was
Love looking for sunny days no matter your circumstances and celebrating moments every single one because you never know what’s around the corner.
Beautifully written story of love and hope and friendship
Second Review in 2020…
“When Ashes Fall” is one of my TOP favorite books and I have a lot in my bookshelf. As a reader I will always suggest this one. It is full of emotions. When we loose the people we love grieving is always tough to do. This story will make you see how you can always have a second chance in life
I’m a huge fan of Marni Mann books. She is a wonderful author and person. Her soul is to beautiful and she have the best smile you can see when you are with her. All her books are incredible, full of beautiful words and moments.
This is my second time reading this book and it felt like I was reading for the first time. I was a wreck last night, washed in tears and tissues.
Dylan, Smith and Alix story will always be close to my heart every time I remember it.
I suggest you read this amazing book before “When We Met” that will be release at 9th of February.
———————-FIRST REVIEW———————–
——————————2019——————————
“When Ashes Fall” was the second book I read by Marni Mann and I can’t tell you that what a beautiful book she wrote. Every single page I read I never felt so lost in her words like in this one. She captured my heart and soul with this story.
She made a wonderful job with the characters and the meaning that one of them would have in this book.
The cover she choose is perfect.
One of my favorite books this year.
After this one Marni Mann books will have a space in my bookself.
If you didn’t read this story you don’t know what you are missing.
PS- Marni Mann keep doing these wonderful stories for us readers.
Wow! What an emotional story that I absolutely loved. I was moved by the characters interaction with each other and the poetic flow of Mann’s writing. Every emotion was strongly felt. Although a tad predictable, there was enough twists to keep me enthralled where I could not put this book down.
Wow, this isn’t at all what I expected it to be. And this time around that is a good thing. I haven’t read any other books by Marni Mann, but will definitely be reading more. Her writing is really good.
I don’t won’t to give anything away about the story. The blurb is vague so I keep it vague.
The characters are great. I love how the story is paced. The romance is believable.
I recommend you to go into it blindly like I did and enjoy this emotional, but beautiful story.