Ten years ago, Courtney Morgan had somehow found the courage to escape a life of abuse and run. Now living a comfortable--albeit lonely--existence, she's determined to make the most of her second chance. But when a newcomer strolls into the diner where she works, a series of events lands her on a road trip from Arizona to Georgia. After she learns her travel companion has been given a terminal diagnosis and is returning home, Courtney sees this as an opportunity to pay it forward and help, like someone had once done for her. Yet, despite her good intentions, it seems fate is determined to put love and friendship in her path, forcing her to evaluate her own future and what she desires most. Offering forgiveness is hard, especially when that person needing it most is herself. And she's discovering the important things in life are about the people along her journey, not the destination.
Kelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.
She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.
Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her three sons, their wily dog, a bearded dragon, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.
This afternoon jetting back and forth to St. Paul I finished When The Leaves Stop Falling and I need to begin by saying that I think its totally uncool that it made me cry as I sat on the runway. Frankly, its just embarrassing, plus it was 12 below zero and the tears froze on my cheeks leaving terrible red streaks. Seriously though, this isn't normally my kind of book, romance and inspiration and all that, but man the characters are interesting, their stories are moving, and story is a page turner. And did I mention that I cried? That's good stuff. Big props Kelly.
Serena Edwards wanted nothing more than to return home, little white pills and all. However, while on the daunting roadtrip home she meets a stranger with saddened eyes and scars of her own. A woman who was becoming an unexpected and welcomed friend. Courtney Morgan had escaped unspeakable abuse ten years earlier. She's safe and content at present, that is until a wanderer with a rooted secret gives her a sudden urge to hop in the car and flee again. Austin Edwards had dreaded his entire life for the call. So his sister was returning home, but who was this woman with her? Who was like an innocent and a fantasy all at once. Jake Warner knew nothing except Serena was coming home. He had a sinking suspicion it wasn't good, but why did he care? He didn't still love her. Who was he kidding.
BOOK REVIEW FOR WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING BY KELLY MORAN BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN
Driving home to the family, the love and the security she left behind, Serena made the fateful decision to pick up the lonely girl with the blue eyes to accompany her on the journey.
Courtney was trying to escape her past, but was afraid to face her future. However, she mysteriously knew that the girl with the scar on her chest would lead her on a great adventure.
The girls offered each other what the other one so desperately needed. Serena, an opportunity for Courtney to foster her special gift and find the love she never received. Courtney, the comfort and support that Serena would need to face the time when the leaves stopped falling.
One word can describe this work by award-winning author Kelly Moran: intense.
From the moment the readers are introduced to the two primary characters, Serena and Courtney, a feeling of extreme love and admiration prevails throughout the story. When secondary characters are brought into the storyline, the intensity grows.
Excellent character development and back story bring the characters to life and allows the reader to experience the overwhelming feelings that Serena, Courtney and the other major players have for one another. “When the Leaves Stop Falling” is a novel that will bring its readers to tears with love, sadness and pity. It is a story for all your emotions, good and bad. - 4 STARS
This book was so amazing! Courtney was abused as a child. She never felt love, only hatred from the one person who should of loved her no matter what. She escapes and is taken in by Mrs. Meyers who gives her safety. Courtney meets Serena and they embark on a journey back to Serena's home in Georgia. She meets Jeff, Austin and Grams and finally knows what it is like to have family, be loved and accepted. You will laugh and cry in this books. Its emotions are written so that you can feel what the characters feel. Will Courtney be hindered by her past or will she finally be able to let go of all the pain and find happiness and maybe even love? Find out!!
When the Leaves Stop Falling by author Kelly Moran is a heartwarming, very easy to read novel. It tells the story of a young woman emotionally damaged by parental abuse who has become somewhat of a drifter, a ghost in other people's lives. She meets a woman called Serena Edwards and they strike up an instant friendship and both women bring something into the others lives. For the first time ever Courtney feels properly loved and Serena is given the chance to tie up loose ends before she embarks upon her final journey.
Moran's style of writing is conversational and almost poetic in places. The characters - especially Courtney - are easy to empathise with and I found it difficult to put down, wanting to know what happened next. In places it reminded me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold in that it aims to be inspirational and uplifting.
My one criticism, and this might be more about my own personal taste than the quality of the book, is that it could have done with an antagonist. Kelly Moran also writes children's fiction and while I was reading When the Leaves Stop Falling, I couldn't help but think this would be a wonderful book for teenagers. For a book aimed at adults, it gets a bit wearing when everyone is so nice all the time. Also, like most self published books (my own included) there are the usual grammatical errors but this does not detract from the story in any way.
I could imagine When the Leaves Stop Falling as one of those Sunday afternoon American films they show on the Hallmark Channel. For me personally there were not enough twists and turns or dark characters. But I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it to anyone who was feeling a bit down and wanted some sunshine in their lives.
I love this book. After being on a paranormal reading binge, this book was refreshing!
Serena Edwards has received a terminal diagnosis for a heart condition that she suffered with since birth. As a result of the devastating news, she decided to head back to her gram, brother, and estranged love of her life. En-route to her destination, she stops off at a diner and gets more than she bargained for.
Courtney Morgan, near death, was rescued from the side of the road after running away from a horrid life. Courtney has an amazing gift that she tries to keep hidden. Courtney and Serena are paired together for the road trip South. Courtney and Serena become friends and a great bond grows.
Once home, Serena must mend fences with Jake and tell him the news of her terminal illness. Meanwhile, Serena's brother Austin is smitten with the timid and broken Courtney.
4 lives intertwine to create a brilliant romance and road to healing. I laughed. I cried. The story comes full circle and your left feeling warmth in you heart when the leaves stop falling.
i have only read a few pages while it was being written. I love what i have read and i have family who have read and they loved it and want to read more books by kelly.
You made me cry,laugh and also believe that love may exist despite the fact that you're really broken inside and out..you'll find love in the most unexpected way.. The story is really amazing..
HAPPY RE-RELEASE DAY to Kelly Moran SPOILERS AHEAD...
I just finished reading this amazing story and had to come and share what I thought of it.Amazingly written and very emotionally charged. Kelly Moran has captured the emotions of people at different stages in their lives. Courtney learning to exist after a traumatic past.Learning that she can Live and Love. Serena learning to come to terms with her future.That finding joy in all your moments no matter how many you have is better than having no joy. Austin having to come to terms with his sisters future as well and finding love along the way. Jake coming to terms over Serena coming home hoping that she will let him love her , Grams watching her family going about their days giving advice and Love always Love. Edna and Richard the two people that have helped Courtney for the last ten years,try to help her find her happiness not just a safe place. Come and read this incredible journey for these wonderful and wounded people as they find out that family is not only people that are connected to you by blood.Family are those that come into your life and make it a better place. 5 stars.
OMG, this was such a great read, I was hooked from the moment that I started reading. It moved along at an amazing pace, has characters that you will love and a story that will not let you down. This must be read there is no doubt about it.
The most touching book I have read in a long time...I was overwhelmed reading it, real heart grabbing..A women opens her diner up..sadly after losing her husband, but one night she gives life to a girl who almost died..Courtney is forever grateful to Mrs. Meyers for what she did for her that night 10 years ago. When a stranger comes into the diner...something strange happens to Courtney, and it's not the first time. Somwhow she finds herself agreeing to go with Serena a women she just met to her home in Georgia..it's the best thing she ever did. Serena finds out things about Courtney, but never once thinks badly of it. They understand each other..it gets really interesting when her twin brother Austin meets her. He's sort of tongue tied when he see's her. They soon become close, but they both don't know what to do about it..Courtney's childhood was really bad, and she feels unworthy of love...Austin won't give up on her.
Serena has come home for a reason, and she's very happy to have found a friend in Courtney. Who is making it easy for her..It was meant to be. Telling her new friend it's been three years since she's been home. She has her reasons, and she must tell her first love Jake why.
Wow this book was AMAZING. I loved how all the characters meeting seemed like it was fate that their paths were meant to cross. Makes you think everything happens for a reason if its good or bad. It was an emotional book to read. For me it was an ugly cry book and that means it was so well written it brought me to tears. Its a must read!!!!
Wow what an emotional roller coaster. It makes you feel so many things. It's about two woman who are and went through emotional things in their lives. They just meet and connect on so many different levels yet they are from such different pasts. Courtney the main character has suffered emotional and physical abuse from her father because she has physic ability. Serena has a bad heart and is going to die. The two travel across country together to her hometown in a journey that will change everything. This is a tear jerker from the beginning to the end, so have your tissues prepared. Kelly is an amazing writer and I can see why it was the best book award finalists. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a beautiful story! the words on the page jumped out at me and envisioned all that was happening. By the end of the book my heart was shattered into a million pieces on my bedroom floor.
Reading this, I cried my damn eyes out but laughed in places. Love and sadness was the biggest emotions that jump out of you while reading this book.
My heart sung out to poor Serena and her family but also for Courtney and what she had been through also.
I found myself confused in places where it seemed to jump from character to character in the middle of each paragraph and I had. to concentrate on whose story was being told and at what part.
But overall I loved the storyline and as always Kelly Moran's writing was phenomenonal
A heart wrenching story that will twist your heart into pieces. An abused girl with Sight turns into a woman that holds herself back from everyone, a woman whose heart has limited time and the two men that show them love even in the hardest of times.
Edith Meyers, owner of a cafe, never thought she would see the still form of a person on the side of the road. Upon closer inspection Edith sees a girl in bad shape.
Courtney Morgan spent part of her life being abused by a father that never showed her a moment of love. Now 10 years after escaping she spends her time working at the cafe owned by Edith.
Edith wishes that Courtney would travel in hopes that she'd heal her heart and mind in order to find real love.
When Serena Edwards walks into the cafe Courtney immediately feels drawn to her. Upon learning that Serena was making her way back home to spend what remaining time she had left with her loved ones.
Edith pushes the idea that Courtney travel with Serena. While they make their way to Serena's hometown each of them learn a little about each other.
Austin Edwards, twin of Serena, was overjoyed that his sister was returning but his heart hurt for her reasoning.
At hearing about his traveling companion he was weary but quickly appreciated her presence.
Serena was apprehensive of seeing the one man she has loved her whole life, Jake Warner. The distance between them was straining but their love never gave up.
I received this free for signing up to the news letter. This is a poignant and bittersweet story, once you start reading you quickly find yourself totally immersed in the story making it almost impossible to put down until the very end. Four lives start on their roads and seem to be on a collision course to intertwine. Serena seems to be on a course to a sad ending, Jake is conflicted with the return of his ex, Courtney deals with the horrible abuse she had experienced earlier in life and Austin deals with the return of his sister - while having the optimistic look up of who she's bringing with her. This story takes you away to a far off place and comes full circle you are left feeling warmth in you heart when the leaves stop falling, I thoroughly enjoyed my journey there, I hope to read more books by this author.
I thought this was a beautifully written story about a young girl trying to find herself. She lives through; and not only survives adversity, but finds tremendous strength as she learns to deal with loss, love, friendship, and the true meaning of family. I LOVED this book, and will certainly read more from this author. I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Be Prepared For Tears! Be Prepared to Fall in Love
Simply AMAZING! I found myself immediately drawn into the lives of these people. Crying through their heartbreaks and falling completely in love. It's a beautiful story of strength in the face of terminal illness and the love a family brings one another during these tough times. Be sure to have a box of tissues too.
"When the leaves stop falling....was your time to live."
Emotional and heartfelt 5 STAR read!! Faith, sorrow, love, and acceptance are all crucial elements that bring to life the AMAZING story, When the Leaves Stop Falling by Kelly Moran. Two people from two different worlds are brought together by fate. Each brings a sense of peace and acceptance to one another. Though it's only a short time these friends share, the lessons they've learned and the memories they've created will bond them forever!
Courtney Morgan has a gift. One that she was conditioned to believe to be a curse. Believing herself to be failure, she ran. Found broken on the side of the road, Mrs. Myers saved her. After ten years of seeing the loneliness in the young girl's eyes, Mrs. Myers pushed Courtney to move on and start experiencing all that life had to offer. The time finally felt right when this stranger graced their cafe.
Serena Edwards strived to live her life to the fullest. The last three years she separated herself from her family, but now it was time to return home. A quick stop for food and fuel caused her to cross paths with a woman. This stranger brought her a sense of calm, that she desperately needed. Accepting her invitation, the girls journeyed on together. As one journey ends, another begins. See how each is effected "When the Leaves Stop Falling!!"
Emotionally and physically abused by her father, Courtney ran away and now lives with Mrs. Meyers in Arizona who took her in--no questions asked. Serena learns that nothing can be done for her damaged heart and is driving home from San Francisco to Georgia to die.
When Serena stops by the diner, Courtney immediately feels connected and ends up traveling with her back to Georgia. As Courtney meets Serena's twin brother Austin and neighbor Jake, she brings light and love into their lives.
Will Courtney be able to learn to accept the love and understanding that she so freely gives to others?
This book is a nice, emotionally uplifting story that tugs on your heartstrings. Especially recommended to reader's of inspirational fiction.
OMG!!! Get your tissues as you embark on this Amazing and heartbreaking journey. This is an ugly cry times three. You know in advance you are headed towards heartbreak hotel and yet, you will continue to hope for a different outcome. So many emotions come into play that your heart will snap around as you try to understand why people must suffer. This story will quickly bring you into the real world and demand your undivided attention. Make sure you have nothing to do before you open the cover because once you start you will NOT put this down until you reach the end~
I really enjoyed this book. It was warm and bittersweet. It was different from Kelly's Phantoms series but in a good way. The braiding of four people's lives is handled really well. This book reminded me a bit of The Peach Keeper but was marvelous in its own right.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. What an incredibly beautiful heart-wrenching story. The journey that Serena and Courtney start together is both tragic and hopeful, the friendship immediate. This is also about three very close old friends who welcome a fourth into their lives and hearts as if she'd always been there. I laughed and smiled and cried.
This is a beautiful and Poignant story. Wow Wow Wow this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that have you in buckets of tears so make sure that you have the tissues ready because you are definitely going to need them and it completely broke my heart with everything that had happened and what they were going through but as the story evolved it puts everything in your heart back together in one of the most beautiful way possible. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout and I couldn't put it down as it had you on the edge of your seat while turning the pages wondering what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them all and it was so well written and totally addictive. Kelly Moran is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and going back time and time again to read her book's and I can't wait to read more book's in the future.