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 1964history 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 generationone 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 herCecily heads to the libraryhoping to discover the truth of how this curse beganand how it might be ended. As she moves through timeshe encounters a circle of ancestorsincluding Sabrina Humblesa free Black woman who must find the courage to seize an opportunity–or lose her heart; Luke Bridgewho traverses battlefieldsslaveryand time itself to reunite with his family; Rebecca Bridgea mother tested by an ominous threat; and Amelia Bridgea 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 enthrallingpage-turning family saga about the inevitability of fatethe invincibility of loveand the indelible bonds of family.