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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When Ashes Fall
By: Marni Mann
Narrated by: Ava Erickson, Aiden Snow, Teddy Hamilton
Marni Mann never ceases to amaze me with the depth of her writing. I went into this expecting a good book. What I had was a heavy heart for part of the story and as it healed came out with one filled with hope and love. This is written from three points of view, Alix, Dylan and Smith. It also bounces back and forth from the past to the present, leaving you piecing together information as you go and trying to figure out the puzzle. It’s a story that brings those hard emotions to the front and makes you face them head on. Full of tears and smiles, Mann has beautifully crafted this poignant love story.
The narration is incredible. This team just brings every emotion to the forefront. Teddy Hamilton as Dylan gives us his view of life and how things went down with his conversational style. I loved him! Ava Erickson with her slight Boston accent is spot on with every feel you can imagine and Aiden Snow as Smith gives us a growlie, hard to get to know man with such a heart that you fall immediately. Each has a way of drawing us in and keeping us glued to the story as we solve the puzzle of Alix’s heart.
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This was my first Marni Mann book and I was completely blown away. I went in blind at the recommendation of a fellow book lover and was blown away. I knew it would be amazing, but I was not expecting this level of feeling and depth. My heart was in my throat through so much of this book. I actually had to take a break for a few days, due to family circumstances because my emotions were already all over the place and I didn’t want to sob buckets!
Please, please read this story, or do what I did and grab the audio! Make sure you go in blind. Don’t read anything about it. Just be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster. So buckle up and enjoy the ride.
So this is the first book by this author that I have read. And I also am not even sure how I stumbled across it but I am glad I did. I had a good feeling where this story was going to go and I could not wait to devour every word and get all the pieces. Two broken, damaged souls can make for one incredible tale. This story got to me on an emotional, personal level. I also have been through events recently that have had me asking all the questions. What if? Why? How? What now? And after reading the author’s notes, and also talking my my friends and loved ones, I have been confirmed in my thoughts that we all ‘deal’ differently. And that’s okay. There are always people going through similar circumstances. There are always people to talk to. Always people who are more than willing to help and listen. Because we are all different. None of us deal the same way. And that’s okay. Some people let it go. Some people move on. Some people get stuck. Some people ask for help. Some people refuse help. Most people try to cope the best way they can. This story to me is real and raw and emotional and heartbreakingly beautiful. I am so glad I found this story. In its own way, it has helped me put my thoughts together a little more. So thank you for writing it and thank you for sharing it. Moments and Sunshine. Neither to be taken for granted.
Without giving anything away… I’ll just say that this story about Dylan, Alix, and Smith was great with the back and forth…. The struggles Alix was going through, which keeps you reading, trying to figure out what is actually going on… And when you do find out you’re left feeling what?? It’s totally unexpected.
Tears! I didn’t think I would have. Marni Mann made me cry! I was in turmoil just about the whole story. Alix has two Loves! Dylan & Smith. Her past and present won’t collide if she can help it.
This story isn’t exactly what I thought it would be but I will say it was just as much pleasure as it was pain to finally get to the source of Alix’s storm. I’m happy to say that the sun is shining at the end! Well done Marni!
This is the first book by this author and it was all over my IG and FB feed that I had to read it. Everyone had amazing things to say so of course I wanted to see how amazing it was too….. I didn’t read the synopsis or any reviews prior to starting this book so I went in without any notions.
I’m sorry to say that I didn’t finish this book, I had to put the book down several times clear my head and try again. As a reader/blogger this is a very frustrating thing. The writing wasn’t bad, clearly that author can write I just couldn’t connect with anything at all. There was constant going back and forth and I couldn’t feel any real depth in her words.
This is not saying that others could totally love the book but unfortunately this just wasn’t for me.
I’m not sure where to even begin. I promise you that you won’t fully know what’s going on until the end but it’s an amazing journey. You’ll fall in love with all these characters.
The words will wrap around you and carry you through this tale of devastation and sunny days. You’ll be mesmerized by When Ashes Fall.
It’s so hard to give a spoiler free review. But in order to get the full magic of this story going in blind is best. This story will forever be ingrained in my heart. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
This story will definitely make you ugly cry! It’s so raw and emotional. Upon starting the first chapter you can guess the plot of the story, just not the exact cause of it. You get to see Alix fall in love with two different men. Both stories beautiful one not long enough Have your tissues ready for this one it’s a story that will leave you thinking about long after you turn the last page.
I went into this book after seeing a friend post her review for it and I knew I had to bump it up on my list. I’m not one who usually reads a book because of the hype surrounding it but When Ashes Fall deserves every bit of praise it has received. I never read the blurb for this one and didn’t read any reviews before jumping in and I’m so glad I took this journey blind. It would just not have had the impact it did otherwise.
This book has an emotional pull that I find rare these days and the best part of that? For the majority of this book you don’t know why, you just know that this author is pulling emotions from the deepest parts of you. Then when the story unfolds you get it. I had some idea of what was going on but when certain things came to the surface I was astounded on how this author handled the situation. Speechless about how right but also how very wrong in my thoughts I was. Absolutely gutted when I realized just what Alix had been going through and was still dealing with.
I had tears more times than not while reading this one and I don’t regret one minute of it. This story will be sticking with me for a very very long time and may even go on the short list of books I reread. Because even though this was an emotional one it’s also a beautiful reminder we should celebrate every little moment in our life because they are worth celebrating. And everyone deserves a sunny day, especially after a storm that just may have changed their life forever.
“ .”
I’m going to be honest here and tell you that I had NO IDEA how I was going to even begin reviewing this book. I finished by Marni Mann a few days ago and I’m still reeling from the experience. This emotionally driven, heartpounding, unique romance is like no other. It’s powerful and bold. It will make your heart want to leap out of your chest. Even though I practically BEGGED my friends (you know who you are!) to give me spoilers because I had so much anxiety going in to this book, I’m so damn happy they were strong enough for me and didn’t give anything up. I wouldn’t have missed this beautiful and heartwrenching experience for the world! It’s worth the anxiety. It’s worth the stress. It’s worth EVERYTHING!
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First I have to say that this story totally BLEW ME AWAY! I mean I cried like a baby because it was sad at times and at others it was just down right heart breaking. I have read emotional books before but I have to say that Marni is the QUEEN of emotional roller coaster emotional rides. I was gutted at some points and I had to put my kindle down because I just couldn’t take it anymore. I thought to myself lord how did Marni write this book and make it out alive.
Alix is an amazing and strong woman that totally blew my mind. I don’t know if I could suffer like she did and still live another day. I mean everyone has bad things happen to them but this is beyond that. When it comes to matters of the heart there are no winners only losers. Aliz heart is torn in two and she has to make a decision if she will let that person in or will she continue to shut them out. This is a story of survival and healing and maybe a second chance at love.
I can’t say enough about this book because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone but this is a MUST read for 2019 and will be one I will re-read again and again because it is that amazing!
Trying to pull myself back together, after this emotionally heartwrenching story, is taxing to say the least.
The whole story consumes you with it’s raw nature, but those last few chapters were so unexpected that I was gutted.
All the feelings were felt and so many tears were shed.
What a beautiful, original love story.
Marni Mann is always giving her all in her books, but this one was just so transcendent.
Thank you for this amazing novel!
Warning: Read with a box of tissues and a heaping pile of chocolate! xx
Wow! What an amazing beautiful unexpected book by Marni Mann. I love her writing and was so drawn to the story. I could not put it down. It takes readers on a journey with Alix and the men in her life Dylan and Smith.
There is so much going on that keep me wondering and wanting to cheat to get to the end of the book to see how the story turned out because it was so intriguing.
What i walked away with is life is hard, it is journey, the unexpected happens everyday, make sure to appreciate those in your life, allow those you love to help you and enjoy the sunny days.
Thank you Marni! A wonderful life lesson we all need to read!
Wow what a ride! When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann is a full length, standalone, raw and gritty read. It took exactly one chapter to get me hooked on the story. I read the book, cover to cover in one sitting and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s a heartwrenching story, a gutting must read, excellent written, beautifully thought out, beautifully told and the anticipation had me in knots.
This is Alix’s story. She loves two men. One is a demanding,cold workaholic alpha who put the a in alphamale. The other one is a caring man who loves deeply and wants to carry all of Alix’s burdens on his own shoulders.
I want to be honest, at first it was a bit diff to jump between past and present and three POV’s and not to lose the tread. But ones into the story – I simply couldn’t put the book down. I had to know what happens to Alix and the men.
I confess I had more than one ugly cry, and now I’m in a major bookhangover. When Ashes Fall is a nailbiting, unputdownable tearjerker. The book was nothing like expected and at the same time everything I ever could have asked for. I highly recommend the book and give 6 stars.
Epic! Soul crushing! Spectacular writing! Relatable, loveable characters! Amazing plot! So intense, from beginning to end! MUST READ!!!
4.5 stars
I’ve read a few books from this author and this one is not what I expected. When Ashes Fall is emotionally gripping. It takes you on a heartbreaking journey of life after tragedy. It’s about finding love again and learning to live with loss. I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew where the story was going. I had no idea.
The storytelling was riveting and it captivated me from the very first page. By the end I was wishing for a sunny day.
~ Kimberly Anne
When Ashes Fall is an outstanding book. Marni Mann has crafted a breathtaking story that was impossible to put down. I was completely mesmerized from the very first pages and found myself almost desperate to see some semblance of peace for Alix Rayne. A very appropriate last name for this strong woman who struggles to keep one foot firmly in the past while trying her hardest to keep moving in the present.
I went in blind, which is something I hope most do, and was completely overcome with a myriad of emotions as Alix’s tale is told, in both the past and the present and from a few different POVs. As I tried to figure out the true nature of Alix’s story, I carefully savored every subtle clue Mann threw my way. Including wanting to know why Dylan Cole was cast as very hands-off and quite mysterious when he was most definitely the love of Alix’s life.
Alix reaches for some safety during violent rainstorms, a key component of this book, and I was completely clueless as to the whys of her phobia. Mann is genius in her storytelling as she took her time in the ultimate reveal of those whys but didn’t bore us with unnecessary details that would drag the book down. Instead we are treated to a poignant tale that all the feels and more. It’s the understated way in which Mann tells this story that kept me awestruck throughout. Combining grief with love and adding in a bit of mystery that kept me riveted.
With Boston and other parts of New England as the backdrop, we are treated to the sights and sounds and flavors this charming city can offer. I adored Alix’s penchant for all things chocolate cake and her knowledge of all the best places to find that delectable treat. With Dylan giving her the most delicious of offerings on their very first date. Those times were truly lovely and I reveled in those sweet memories.
Her stressful job as a police dispatcher is thoughtfully juxtaposed with her inner demons as she tries to help those in need while trying so very hard to heal herself. With her capabilities to be calm and in charge, they lead to finding an unexpected road one night to a man named Smith with Mann once again throwing in a detour that kept me guessing. And much like Alix, I too couldn’t decide between him and the charming Dylan.
Her bestie in Rose is such an important part of this journey and I was grateful for her and the unconditional love she has for Alix. Their scenes together are vital to not only the story but to Alix’s state of mind. And it’s that hard to crack inner turmoil that is the underlying theme to this entire book.
As usual, I may have rambled just a bit, being deliberately vague in my review. But know this: Marni Mann has taken a moment in her own life and together with recent events in Boston, used it as the basis for this beautifully-told story that is incredibly unique and full of feeling. When all is said and done, it’s the love that shines through. Whether from a good friend or a colleague or the person of your dreams, it is the one emotion that truly could save a life..
Sure to be at the top of more than one 2019 list of best books of the year, I happily give When Ashes Fall 5 momentous stars. Because yeah, it is that good.
Alix Rayne is a natural caretaker and her occupational choice fuels her nurturing side. Though she can be in complete control at times, Alix has moments when she is unable to cope. Always searching for sunny days, she begins to see what is right in front of her.
Told in multiple POV, the narrative shifts between past and present to further develop the characters and offers a swift cadence. As Alix’s plight unfolds, it’s clear her heart is conflicted. Surrounded by those that love her, she must find her own way.
In starting this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect and this intrigued me. Though I understood the plot landscape almost immediately, it didn’t necessarily detract from the trajectory or the impact. The author’s prose is concise by revealing minimal detail on the surface, but also offering a much deeper meaning below the surface.
As for the characters, I really liked Alix. Her non-materialistic values are endearing and speak volumes about her. Knowing her affliction, she is vulnerable but she has a survivor spirit that shines through. Between the men in her life, I definitely have a favorite.
When Ashes Fall offers an emotional story about survival and second chances. Though there is sadness, there is also hope and resilience. This book will appeal to those looking for a deeply heartfelt story.
WHEN ASHES FALL is an emotional ride that you won’t want to leave. I still can’t process my feelings about this book, my heart is still in pieces and I don’t know if I love this book or hate it because I have mixed feelings at this point. There were parts I was eager to know more about Alix and Dylan, but there were other parts that I didn’t want to find out, it was really a dilemma that had me torn.
I can’t understand how a beautifully written book can shatter your heart in a good way. I cried for several minutes after finishing reading. This book is about loss, about letting go and moving on. It was told in multiple POV’s that made it easy for me to get hooked with the story and be witness to Alix’s journey, all her emotional stages in order to find her “sunny day”.
My heart hurts for Alix because I wouldn’t have been able to deal with all that happened to her, but I was very happy she found at the end, her sunny day. And my heart was stolen by Dylan because the love he had for Alix is beyond life. I don’t want to spoil you with more details. Just know that this is an emotional journey that you WILL feel. I hope you can read it blindly and experience this amazing story without any spoilers.
Marni Mann has been one of my favourite authors for a while now. What I had never realised was that she could write like this. Don’t get me wrong, everything she has written has been outstanding, however this book is beyond outstanding. There are no words.
All through this book, you feel the raw emotion that Ms Mann has poured into this book. While there is plenty of sexy time, this is wrapped in moments that go so far beyond sex and love.
This book is about one woman’s love of two men, both are strong, and accomplished and couldn’t be more different. This isn’t the conventional story of someone being unfaithful. If you avoid books for that reason then please do not avoid this book, you will be really missing out on an amazing story.
Without giving anything away, Ms Mann deals with a couple of extremely emotional subjects and she does so with sensitivity and an insight into human emotions and the different types of love that we can experience throughout life.
I have read a few books by Marni now and each has been a different experience. They are all really well written, very sexy and deal with real love. When Ashes Fall took me well beyond WOW. I read it in less than three hours because I could not put it down for a second. Now I wish that I hadn’t as this is a story that has stayed on my mind long after the final page was turned. I wish that I had read slower.
As you may have gathered, I felt that this book was breathtaking. This was a supremely hard review to write, because I want any readers to experience this spoiler free. I can only say that this story is raw and it is beautifully written.