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The False Flat
In this uplifting story about friendship, love, and growth, one woman must untangle herself from a past that’s holding her back in order to move forward into the life that will set her free.
Penelope Auberge is at her breaking point. With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Pen’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her thirty-three years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. There, she meets siblings Deanna and Grant, who attempt to coax Pen out of her socially anxious shell. Hesitant to open up so she doesn’t get hurt (again), Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and she’s determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins blossoming between them.
Pen’s path in Nashville appears to be smoothing out, but she soon learns that packing up her past isn’t quite that easy. If she wants to start fresh, she’ll have to decide what she really wants—even if that means riding away from her old life for good.
Penelope Auberge is at her breaking point. With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Pen’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her thirty-three years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. There, she meets siblings Deanna and Grant, who attempt to coax Pen out of her socially anxious shell. Hesitant to open up so she doesn’t get hurt (again), Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and she’s determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins blossoming between them.
Pen’s path in Nashville appears to be smoothing out, but she soon learns that packing up her past isn’t quite that easy. If she wants to start fresh, she’ll have to decide what she really wants—even if that means riding away from her old life for good.
Audio CD
Published June 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
April 4, 2024
The False Flat by Melissa R. Collings was an absolute delight to read and is an amazing addition to the genre of romance. The story begins with a definition of what the book title means for those not in the biking know- like me. A false flat is a term describing an area before a steeper biking climb that looks deceptively flat but will still take notable effort to climb. The authors title also draws parallels to the main characters life. Penelope “Pen” Auberge is a woman whose life has been marked by tragedy. She copes the only way she knows how by riding her bike furiously when anxiety hits and turning people into numbers. Numbers unlike people in Pen’s experience are uncomplicated and straightforward. This number system interestingly enough is based on the way you present yourself and how you make her feel. Throughout the book I often wondered what number she would have assigned me. Despite her anxiety and coping strategies Pen has been getting through life just fine -she’s got her job which also includes the numbers she’s so comfortable with and a boyfriend who‘s happy to know Pen at a surface level. Friends and often family don’t fit into Pens world and that’s how’s it’s always been and therefore is comfortable with. Circumstances arise and Pens whole world is turned upside down. She reacts by what some would consider blowing up her life; quitting her job without a new one lined up and moving halfway across the country to a city she’s never even been to. Pen flourishes in her new home despite her quick arrival and makes a new friend in an unlikely almost “meet cute” platonic situation. This new friend encourages her to join the local bike riding group which she’s very opposed to at first but eventually gives in to. This chain of events sets the tone and for the majority of the book and introduces more pivotal characters. Pen soon meets Grant - initially standoffish and that moustache -just no! But eventually they form a close friendship and become eachother’s confidants- something Pen has never experienced but seemingly unbeknownst to her always needed. Watching Pen go from an individual who’d never dealt with her trauma to fully taking control and ownership and doing the work for the life she wanted was inspiring. The growth and character development was such a home run for me and made this book exceptional. I think we can all appreciate the struggles of feeling unlovable and wondering if our unresolved feelings and traumas make us able to live or be loved and be in a healthy emotional state. Pens navigation through these struggles makes her character so rich and palpable. Her finding her “people” finally and having the life she never thought possible for herself was such a heartfelt joy for me. I’ll defiantly be reading more Melissa R. Collings books thanks to this work of art. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for this advanced reading copy.
April 27, 2024
I did not expect this to be so emotional 🥲🚲❤️
June 11, 2024
I am currently a sobbing mess. I will be back to write my review when I am of a more stable mindset.
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I don’t know that I would call any amount of time “enough” to gather one’s self after finishing this book. It broke me apart and put me back together several times. Definitely NOT your typical romance. But I loved it all the same.
First, let’s talk about why I love Penelope a.k.a. Pen so freaking much. Penelope feels real to me. No, she is real. Her mannerisms, the way she needs to cope, all of it. On a personal note she also gets a little bit of an edge because there are very few romance books where our heroine works in finance. So I love the added personal connection. I have to the character.
Now let’s talk Grant… sigh. He is amazing. Grant and his sister Deanna are simply great people. Deanna is the kind of person you want as a best friend and realize the kind of person you should strive to be as a friend. And Grant…. He’s not only a nice guy, he’s also funny, passionate, hard-working, and loyal. How can you not fall for that?!?!
Despite how much this book will make you angry and this book will make your heart hurt, I hope you love it as much as me. Because , overall you will love how beautiful the love story is.
I had the privilege of reading this book and listening to the audio version as well. I can recommend bothwhole heartedly!!
—————————————————————-
I don’t know that I would call any amount of time “enough” to gather one’s self after finishing this book. It broke me apart and put me back together several times. Definitely NOT your typical romance. But I loved it all the same.
First, let’s talk about why I love Penelope a.k.a. Pen so freaking much. Penelope feels real to me. No, she is real. Her mannerisms, the way she needs to cope, all of it. On a personal note she also gets a little bit of an edge because there are very few romance books where our heroine works in finance. So I love the added personal connection. I have to the character.
Now let’s talk Grant… sigh. He is amazing. Grant and his sister Deanna are simply great people. Deanna is the kind of person you want as a best friend and realize the kind of person you should strive to be as a friend. And Grant…. He’s not only a nice guy, he’s also funny, passionate, hard-working, and loyal. How can you not fall for that?!?!
Despite how much this book will make you angry and this book will make your heart hurt, I hope you love it as much as me. Because , overall you will love how beautiful the love story is.
I had the privilege of reading this book and listening to the audio version as well. I can recommend bothwhole heartedly!!
January 10, 2025
I THOUGHT I WAS TAKING A BREAK FROM TEARS AND THIS IS WHAT I GET INSTEAD
August 27, 2024
This book is not my genre. If you told me, "here, read this bittersweet love story about a woman who bikes to control her anxiety" I would probably not have done it.
That would have been a mistake.
This book is wonderful! Pen is probably one of my favorite fictional characters. She's so deeply real and relatable, broken from the worst things in all the best ways, and dealing with it all with a mixture of junk food, exercise, and internal quirks she barely keeps hidden. Her internal monologue is addictive. I could read ten more books about this woman.
Start with this one.
That would have been a mistake.
This book is wonderful! Pen is probably one of my favorite fictional characters. She's so deeply real and relatable, broken from the worst things in all the best ways, and dealing with it all with a mixture of junk food, exercise, and internal quirks she barely keeps hidden. Her internal monologue is addictive. I could read ten more books about this woman.
Start with this one.
August 18, 2024
Did I read the same book as those rating this 4 & 5 stars?? I just don’t see how. I loathed most of this book but still struggled through. What irked me the most is that the main character, Pen, is so o self-centered and selfish. I know the author explains her actions away as part of her social anxiety, so I tried to give Pen a pass several times, but it wasn’t long before I was at my wits end with her antics. Several times things throughout the book were so convoluted that the story seemed forced and it became drudgery to read. I cannot recommend this book and have since changed my original review from 2 stars to a single one.
February 17, 2024
Penelope works in finance, a boys’ club, where she lands big clients and her boss passes the accounts off to lesser qualified, lesser experienced male colleagues. Then she finds out the guy she’s been dating, Chad, is secretly married. The final straw that pushes her from the Twin Cities to Nashville is her cold hearted mother who, after a series of not-very-believable events lets Pen’s ex, Chad, move in with her. (Yes, it’s very weird.)
Nashville it is.
A bit of a loner, Pen struggles in all ways once she arrives and immediately buys a house (also very weird): making friends, establishing her own business, finding a way through her grief. But she quickly meets Deanna (over Cap’n Crunch, a redeemable moment in the book), and her brother Grant who are determined to help her adjust. It just so happens that Pen rides bikes and Grant organizes weekend rides.
From there, a whole lot of convoluted events occur at indiscriminate times leaving Penelope unsure of what she wants or how to get it.
Honestly, I wanted to like this book but there was too much that didn’t work.
If you’re going to feature a hobby prominently, be sure you actually do the research.
• cyclists described as wearing knee pads (grimace)
• using the trunk of a car to transport multiple bikes
• people who aren’t avid cyclists doing an 80 mile weekend ride like it’s nothing
Nothing pulls me from a narrative like a lack of research.
But more importantly, Pen isn’t likable. At first I thought she was on the spectrum (she constantly pictures people as numbers), but later it is described as social anxiety. What it comes off as is selfishness. She’s ridiculously self-centered. I won’t spoil anything, but her love interest gives her the worst news you can imagine and she turns it all into how it affects her and stirs up things from her past.
It’s…cringey.
The epilogue does contain a very sweet scene that touched me, so I left the book with that small glimmer.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Books for the ARC to read and review. Available June 11, 2024.
Nashville it is.
A bit of a loner, Pen struggles in all ways once she arrives and immediately buys a house (also very weird): making friends, establishing her own business, finding a way through her grief. But she quickly meets Deanna (over Cap’n Crunch, a redeemable moment in the book), and her brother Grant who are determined to help her adjust. It just so happens that Pen rides bikes and Grant organizes weekend rides.
From there, a whole lot of convoluted events occur at indiscriminate times leaving Penelope unsure of what she wants or how to get it.
Honestly, I wanted to like this book but there was too much that didn’t work.
If you’re going to feature a hobby prominently, be sure you actually do the research.
• cyclists described as wearing knee pads (grimace)
• using the trunk of a car to transport multiple bikes
• people who aren’t avid cyclists doing an 80 mile weekend ride like it’s nothing
Nothing pulls me from a narrative like a lack of research.
But more importantly, Pen isn’t likable. At first I thought she was on the spectrum (she constantly pictures people as numbers), but later it is described as social anxiety. What it comes off as is selfishness. She’s ridiculously self-centered. I won’t spoil anything, but her love interest gives her the worst news you can imagine and she turns it all into how it affects her and stirs up things from her past.
It’s…cringey.
The epilogue does contain a very sweet scene that touched me, so I left the book with that small glimmer.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Books for the ARC to read and review. Available June 11, 2024.
August 26, 2024
Wow. Just wow. This book was a "page turner." I could not put it down. Melissa understands the journey of grief, friendship, love, relationships. At first, I did not like the main character: too reserved, quirky, flat. Then it hit me, "I Am Her." Afraid to let go of grief. You feel you will lose that person when you do. This spoke to my heart. Great book.
March 5, 2024
A bitter and sweet love story with real emotional depth. Excellent voice, I laughed and found myself talking out loud to the characters. Will definitely be looking for more from this author.
July 4, 2024
I taught the author’s daughter! Such a fun read!
June 12, 2024
Happy Release day! Just found out this is on Kindle Unlimited. HIGHLY recommend!
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"This is a false flat... It looks flat and unthreatening, but there's an imperceptible gradient that gives you a real workout... Life was like a false flat. It looked smooth and easy and straightforward, but it was a steady, arduous climb to the finish, leaving you haggard and out of breath."
Wow. This was absolutely beautiful, yet so bittersweet. I did not expect to cry so much while reading this, but this heartfelt story really dug deep for me. All in all, it's about the conscious effort of choosing to live.
"It's okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it's also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return. A lot of people will hurt you, but when you find love, friendship, a good hairstylist, whatever, it's worth it. And life isn't worth living if you don't take risks."
Grant was amazingggg I cannot get over how good of a human he was written to be. I wanted him to be real and I wanted to be his friend.
I hesitated on 5 stars only because sometimes the writing confused me. Character overload sometimes (like who is so-and-so?) but maybe that was just reader's error. And, honestly, it just took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style.
This was funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, and just all the things, you know? I'm so glad this book took me by surprise and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. You have power over your mind--not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive--to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
———
"This is a false flat... It looks flat and unthreatening, but there's an imperceptible gradient that gives you a real workout... Life was like a false flat. It looked smooth and easy and straightforward, but it was a steady, arduous climb to the finish, leaving you haggard and out of breath."
Wow. This was absolutely beautiful, yet so bittersweet. I did not expect to cry so much while reading this, but this heartfelt story really dug deep for me. All in all, it's about the conscious effort of choosing to live.
"It's okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it's also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return. A lot of people will hurt you, but when you find love, friendship, a good hairstylist, whatever, it's worth it. And life isn't worth living if you don't take risks."
Grant was amazingggg I cannot get over how good of a human he was written to be. I wanted him to be real and I wanted to be his friend.
I hesitated on 5 stars only because sometimes the writing confused me. Character overload sometimes (like who is so-and-so?) but maybe that was just reader's error. And, honestly, it just took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style.
This was funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, and just all the things, you know? I'm so glad this book took me by surprise and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. You have power over your mind--not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive--to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
February 13, 2024
I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Title: The False Flat by Melissa Collings
4 Stars
The False Flat is a captivating romance novel that seamlessly combines a down-to-earth narrative with meticulous attention to detail. Set against a realistic and down to earth setting, the story unfolds with a refreshing authenticity that invites readers into a world that feels relatable . Traumas, everyday problems and lack of self confidence, as well as the fear of loneliness that many people can relate to.
The plot revolves around Penelope Auberge, having to detach herself from an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a sexist boss that undervalues her work, she moves away from it all, determined to build a life on her own by opening a solo financial business. She meets and slowly forms friendships and relationship whilst battling the angst and fear of living out of her comfort zone.
This story provides a heartfelt journey that explores the nuances of love, friendships and relationships.
What I love in this story is that it is not just pure sweet, funny, romance but the found friends and how the friendship progresses. It’s lovely to read as Penelope is not the social butterfly to begin with due to her traumas.
The False Flat is a standout romance novel that excels in its down-to-earth approach and meticulous detailing.
This book is a recommended read for those seeking a romance/ found friends with depth and authenticity.
Title: The False Flat by Melissa Collings
4 Stars
The False Flat is a captivating romance novel that seamlessly combines a down-to-earth narrative with meticulous attention to detail. Set against a realistic and down to earth setting, the story unfolds with a refreshing authenticity that invites readers into a world that feels relatable . Traumas, everyday problems and lack of self confidence, as well as the fear of loneliness that many people can relate to.
The plot revolves around Penelope Auberge, having to detach herself from an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a sexist boss that undervalues her work, she moves away from it all, determined to build a life on her own by opening a solo financial business. She meets and slowly forms friendships and relationship whilst battling the angst and fear of living out of her comfort zone.
This story provides a heartfelt journey that explores the nuances of love, friendships and relationships.
What I love in this story is that it is not just pure sweet, funny, romance but the found friends and how the friendship progresses. It’s lovely to read as Penelope is not the social butterfly to begin with due to her traumas.
The False Flat is a standout romance novel that excels in its down-to-earth approach and meticulous detailing.
This book is a recommended read for those seeking a romance/ found friends with depth and authenticity.
June 4, 2024
4 stars
thank you netgalley for the e-arc and audiobook arc
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a really cute book about moving on from alot of internalised issues, being the replica of what her mom wants, grieving the loss of her brother, a relationship built on infidelity, navigating the world as a mixed woman. our main character chooses to turn her life over in a complete 180 to start living her life for her.
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i really enjoyed this book and all the characters that we got to know. i was NOT expecting the ending but man oh man did i really enjoy it.
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I loved seeing Pen get to explore herself and he life some more in the book. i really liked that her growth journey wasn’t predictable and cheesy. it was really well written and in a way that still grabbed your attention.
the audiobook was literally so perfect and completely brought the book to life and just gave it that extra touch.
thank you netgalley for the e-arc and audiobook arc
-
a really cute book about moving on from alot of internalised issues, being the replica of what her mom wants, grieving the loss of her brother, a relationship built on infidelity, navigating the world as a mixed woman. our main character chooses to turn her life over in a complete 180 to start living her life for her.
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i really enjoyed this book and all the characters that we got to know. i was NOT expecting the ending but man oh man did i really enjoy it.
-
I loved seeing Pen get to explore herself and he life some more in the book. i really liked that her growth journey wasn’t predictable and cheesy. it was really well written and in a way that still grabbed your attention.
the audiobook was literally so perfect and completely brought the book to life and just gave it that extra touch.
August 25, 2024
This story is an absolute gem! Penelope Auberge’s journey from her tangled past to a fresh start in Tennessee is full of heart, growth, and just the right amount of romance. Watching Pen find her footing, open up to new friendships, and navigate her feelings for the charming Grant had me cheering her on every step of the way. The characters are so relatable, and Pen’s determination to build a life that’s truly her own is both inspiring and uplifting. If you’re looking for a story that will make you smile, root for love, and believe in second chances, this is the one!
February 14, 2024
Was not ready for the range of emotions that this book was going to make me feel! The character growth over the book was so wonderful, and I could really relate to some of the anxiety that was felt. Overall a really good book.
June 20, 2024
Laugh out loud funny one moment poignant and devastating in the next. I flew through this book because the characters felt real to me. Wonderful! But don’t expect only a light hearted romp. This book will wreck you.
March 1, 2025
Amazing debut. Every feeling while cheering Penelope on. Have tissues handy. I love how the chapters are broken down into Life’s Realizations. Life has ups and downs. I look forward to what this author writes next. 🩵
May 9, 2024
This book had so many heartwarming moments. Penelope’s journey underscored the power of vulnerability, the beauty of friendships, and the strength in community. A lovely read.
July 17, 2024
Did not expect to ugly cry at the end
July 2, 2024
Well that sucker-punched me right in the feelers. 😢
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to this book, but I enjoyed the characters and the story….Up until my heart got ripped out 💔, but even then I enjoyed it. I was left crying as I mopped my floor. Great book!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started listening to this book, but I enjoyed the characters and the story….Up until my heart got ripped out 💔, but even then I enjoyed it. I was left crying as I mopped my floor. Great book!
June 11, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Tropes:
🩵 self discovery
💛 found family
🧡 mental health rep
💚 overcoming grief
“It’s okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it’s also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return.”
Blurb:
With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Penelope Auberge’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her 32 years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. She meets siblings Deanna and Grant there, who help Pen get out of her socially anxious shell. Because of her past, Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and is determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins to blossom between them.
My thoughts:
This is more than just a romance book. It’s really a coming of age book and I adored it because of that. When I hear “coming of age” I always think of a teenager like 15-18, but it’s refreshing when the MC is closer to my age. I found this book to be very relatable and an emotional read for me. Noooo I didn’t cry… who said that 🥲 but honestly I went from laughing to crying within a page.
I adore and love Penelope. She’s so witty, funny, and most importantly, realistic. You really get to grow with her as the story progresses. Her journey is so beautiful. Yes, she formed new relationships but also able to rediscover old ones. She just needed the right group of people to nudge her in the right direction.
If you’re looking for a romance coming of age book, The False Flat is available NOW! 🥰
Tropes:
🩵 self discovery
💛 found family
🧡 mental health rep
💚 overcoming grief
“It’s okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it’s also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return.”
Blurb:
With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Penelope Auberge’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her 32 years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. She meets siblings Deanna and Grant there, who help Pen get out of her socially anxious shell. Because of her past, Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and is determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins to blossom between them.
My thoughts:
This is more than just a romance book. It’s really a coming of age book and I adored it because of that. When I hear “coming of age” I always think of a teenager like 15-18, but it’s refreshing when the MC is closer to my age. I found this book to be very relatable and an emotional read for me. Noooo I didn’t cry… who said that 🥲 but honestly I went from laughing to crying within a page.
I adore and love Penelope. She’s so witty, funny, and most importantly, realistic. You really get to grow with her as the story progresses. Her journey is so beautiful. Yes, she formed new relationships but also able to rediscover old ones. She just needed the right group of people to nudge her in the right direction.
If you’re looking for a romance coming of age book, The False Flat is available NOW! 🥰
March 28, 2024
4.5 stars!
Wow! What an unexpected surprise this book was! I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light, happy romance…it was not. It was full of so much depth and character development. The friend group and "side characters" were all wonderful and I found myself wanting to hang out with this group more. They had "real" interactions but provided each other so much love and support.
I will say this title is misleading. The main character, Penelope, is not dealing with a “false flat”. She’s dealing with a series of uphill battles, but she handles everything thrown at her with grace and growth. I loved watching her grow from an anxious, unsure woman to one who could handle all the tough things life threw at her.
This book gave me all the emotions. I cried quite a bit because there are a lot of sad parts…however, the book leaves you feeling hopeful and even content. Due to some plot points, I do not believe this book can be classified as a traditional romance, but it is an amazing read and one that I highly recommend! I cannot wait to read more from Melissa Collings.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher, Montlake, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! What an unexpected surprise this book was! I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light, happy romance…it was not. It was full of so much depth and character development. The friend group and "side characters" were all wonderful and I found myself wanting to hang out with this group more. They had "real" interactions but provided each other so much love and support.
I will say this title is misleading. The main character, Penelope, is not dealing with a “false flat”. She’s dealing with a series of uphill battles, but she handles everything thrown at her with grace and growth. I loved watching her grow from an anxious, unsure woman to one who could handle all the tough things life threw at her.
This book gave me all the emotions. I cried quite a bit because there are a lot of sad parts…however, the book leaves you feeling hopeful and even content. Due to some plot points, I do not believe this book can be classified as a traditional romance, but it is an amazing read and one that I highly recommend! I cannot wait to read more from Melissa Collings.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher, Montlake, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2024
I learned about this book from Melissa Collings’ author newsletter. Her newsletter is one of my favorites and I usually keep them. Great quotes, good information, and sharing life tidbits.
I watched her interviews on the Nashville morning show and with John DeDakis; I was impressed with her poise in both interviews and the personality that shined through. I was intrigued by the book title, the description of the characters, and the storyline. So I preordered the book!!
Based on the interviews and the ARC reader reviews, I anticipated that reading the book might be emotional, and it was. There were times when I burst out laughing. There were other scenes where I had internal conversations with the characters. At least once I found tears running down my face before I realized I was crying. It was, as they say, “all the things”.
I appreciated this authors’ use of words. Some of her phrases or descriptions made you want to sit up and write them down somewhere or highlight them until they could be memorized. I love that about an author.
Regardless of your favorite genre, this is a book to read and feel. It is perfect for a book club and all the discussions that brings.
Bravo, Melissa; Bravo!
I watched her interviews on the Nashville morning show and with John DeDakis; I was impressed with her poise in both interviews and the personality that shined through. I was intrigued by the book title, the description of the characters, and the storyline. So I preordered the book!!
Based on the interviews and the ARC reader reviews, I anticipated that reading the book might be emotional, and it was. There were times when I burst out laughing. There were other scenes where I had internal conversations with the characters. At least once I found tears running down my face before I realized I was crying. It was, as they say, “all the things”.
I appreciated this authors’ use of words. Some of her phrases or descriptions made you want to sit up and write them down somewhere or highlight them until they could be memorized. I love that about an author.
Regardless of your favorite genre, this is a book to read and feel. It is perfect for a book club and all the discussions that brings.
Bravo, Melissa; Bravo!
November 5, 2024
I was sobbing at the end. An emotional 🎢
Heart warming and funny but sad. I find grief difficult to read about and especially anything to do with cancer but luckily most of the book was a nice, feel good read.
Heart warming and funny but sad. I find grief difficult to read about and especially anything to do with cancer but luckily most of the book was a nice, feel good read.
May 19, 2024
The False Flat refers to a bike trail that looks flat, but has a deceptive uphill grade. Life can have many false flats. Penelope(Pen) Auberge is fed up with her life in Minneapolis, her boss gives clients she has brought in to their financial planning company to younger, male staff to manage, her mother is overbearing to the point of telling her how to dress, and it turns out her love life is not what she thought it was. Impulsively, she buys a house in Nashville to escape her life. Having lost her brother at a young age, she copes with her social anxiety by riding her bike long distances and imagining people as numbers that she feels fits them. Will Pen be able to start her own financial advising company, overcome her inability to move on from her brother's death, and build a new life in Nashville? I loved Pen's story, and it is told with humor and love. Thank you to Montlake Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance reader's ebook copy. #TheFalseFlat#NetGalley
June 12, 2024
Firstly, this book has ripped my heart out. Secondly I would DIE for Pen Auberge and thirdly, this is the best book I’ve read this year (and definitely in my favourites, ever).
Right from the beginning, Pen captivated me with her vulnerability & her growth she journey. I loved the relationships between Pen, Grant, Deanna & William, nothing felt forced & I can’t believe these are just characters in a book because I felt so connected to them.
I think I felt every single emotion, at points I was belly laughing (thanks, William & the marshmallow LOL) and uncontrollably sobbing.
It had everything I look for in a book - authenticity and relatability. My only complaint is that it had to end; I could have easily read another 500 pages!
★★★★★
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Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
Right from the beginning, Pen captivated me with her vulnerability & her growth she journey. I loved the relationships between Pen, Grant, Deanna & William, nothing felt forced & I can’t believe these are just characters in a book because I felt so connected to them.
I think I felt every single emotion, at points I was belly laughing (thanks, William & the marshmallow LOL) and uncontrollably sobbing.
It had everything I look for in a book - authenticity and relatability. My only complaint is that it had to end; I could have easily read another 500 pages!
★★★★★
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
June 14, 2024
I absolutely loved Pen’s story. The False Flat is a story about finding yourself and staying true to your morals and what you believe in. In addition to loving Pen and Grant, I also loved Deanna and the supporting characters (except her ex-boyfriend). I loved how Pen took a leap of faith and her move to Nashville and truly embraced it. The Nashville setting was perfect and the writing was descriptive and emotionally charged. This book took me on an emotional journey, and I thought it was beautifully written.
November 20, 2024
I did not finish. As other reviewers have stated, Pen is self-absorbed and narcissistic.
What really bothered me was that the author does not write about African American heritage in a positive way: black people in the book are mentioned in a negative way so many times that’s when I stopped reading. Also, the many references to Pen hating her hair - I would have loved to see what she would have thought aid she had 4c hair 🙄. From the intended audience of this book, I see I should have done more research before choosing this one.
What really bothered me was that the author does not write about African American heritage in a positive way: black people in the book are mentioned in a negative way so many times that’s when I stopped reading. Also, the many references to Pen hating her hair - I would have loved to see what she would have thought aid she had 4c hair 🙄. From the intended audience of this book, I see I should have done more research before choosing this one.
February 18, 2024
This book was everything I didn’t know that I needed.
This book follow Penelope’s journey of finding herself and the lessons she learns along the way. I found myself immersed in the story and it felt like I was going along her journey with her. I laughed, I cried, and learned some amazing things along the way.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
This book follow Penelope’s journey of finding herself and the lessons she learns along the way. I found myself immersed in the story and it felt like I was going along her journey with her. I laughed, I cried, and learned some amazing things along the way.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
June 17, 2024
Unexpected
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads, so TBH I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of thought it was just a silly romcom. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Get the book. Get the feels. I only rate about 1 book a year a 5 star, so I mean it when I say - I absolutely recommend this book. I think every woman will see at least a sliver of herself in the FMC.
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads, so TBH I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of thought it was just a silly romcom. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Get the book. Get the feels. I only rate about 1 book a year a 5 star, so I mean it when I say - I absolutely recommend this book. I think every woman will see at least a sliver of herself in the FMC.
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