When Cicadas Cry

by Laura Miller

Heartfelt. Beautiful. Tearful. Surprising. Mysterious. Eternal. You NEED to read this story. - Heartbeats Between Words

A twist you won’t see coming. Part love story. Part mystery. A heartrending tale about love, family and secrets.

One moment. One moment can shape our entire life. That’s all it takes. It was in one moment that I knew he knew. It was just a hunch, a feeling, a soft whisper to my soul. But it was in that life-altering instant that I knew I had lost him. When Omaha native Ashley Westcott suddenly shows up in Remington Jude’s small, Missouri town, she’s the talk of the town. When she abruptly leaves one day, the rumors fly. But only Remington knows why she left, and he’s not talking.

Genres: Romance

226 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2015

About the author

Laura Miller is the best-selling author of small-town romance novels and poetry. She grew up in a small Midwestern town in the United States. Now, she lives in Kansas City, Mo. Look for her latest book of poetry, Echo, available now.

Follow her for signing dates, trailers and more.

Stay connected!
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For signing dates, trailers and more, please visit http://www.lauramillerbooks.com/.

Reviews

[Yelena Bosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+

<3

Where the hell do I begin with this story?! F*cking hell!! Reading this book felt like everything literally freezes. And all you're left with are your emotions, the forgotten exhale of the breath you forgot you needed and listening to your heart beating for every moment of Rem and Ashley's story...

I'm not usually the one to fall head over heels for a sappy romance story. I love them but they are usually just another cute, lovely read. BUT I just couldn't keep calm about this one. I wasn't expecting to love it.

And the moments matter - the blissful and the painful.

Every. Last. One.

They are what makes it worth it.

A true understatement of an emotionally unforgiving story!

I can't explain how beautiful. how heartfelt. how raw. how breathtaking it was. I mean, do you ever feel like you're about to read another cute, sexy and simple romance book? Me too, all the time. And if I end up loving those stories then its awesome, it's great but reading this book? Reading Rem & Ashley's story? It touched my heart and even through reading the very. last. word. it still held onto my heart. Sounds cheesy I know. But take my word for it, IT WILL BRING YOU GOOSEBUMPS to how good it was. I'm not even sure I can bring it justice by giving it a 5.

This book can't be explained from a simple 5 star. No. This book deserves a whole new name to the word emotional.

"The kiss is momentary, but the moment seems as if it hangs in the air - suspended like a bird in a wind. And in that moment, my heart is full, and my life is hers. I know it. She knows it. We both know, without sayin' a word, that no matter what happens between the two of us, I will always belong to this girl."

When Cicadas Cry is an unbelievable breathtakingly emotional story about a simple love story between a boy and a girl. Let me rephrase that: It's a heartbreakingly, raw, emotionally draining love story, between Rem and Ashley, that was ANYTHING but simple. But, IT WAS WORTH IT

Their story was more worth it that words dare explain.

Laura Miller has an unnatural talent to turn words into feelings and a simple page into something precious to hold.

She turned a book of pasts and presents into a journey that till the very last page, I can honestly say, I didn't expect for it to happen the way that it did. At one point I was even thinking that it wouldn't "end".. My emotions were so messed up. I didn't expect to fall in love with their story, but damn it if part of my heart is still clinging to the very last page of the book. I NEED something to make these emotions close off. As with Rem & Ashley, I need closure but at the same at, I feel that reading WHEN CICADAS CRY was EXACTLY what I needed.

A journey of two broken hearts that belonged to one another even before they met..

A love so strong that even the cicadas were crying, wanting, needing to whisper their loud despairs..

A story that manages to make a past & a present intertwine into a unique set of words, which I wont ever feel like were mere ink stains on pages enclosed with a beautiful cover. No.

Reading about Rem in the past was like a breath of fresh air to the present that he was trying to get through. I didn't know what happened between them, and until the very ending of the book, I was afraid that they would be simple moments. single words that were purely put together. nothing to it.. How wrong was I.

The words and their implications are sinking in. But maybe if I push them out before they have a chance to take hold, then maybe they'll just fade into oblivion.

Reading from Rem's point of view, I always subconsciously felt like I was holding onto my breath. The past in their story was beautiful, lovely and everything that true love is. BUT. With every shaking feeling when turning to the page with the 'present' written at the top, I almost didn't want to know. I almost didn't want to read and feel his heartache. I almost, almost wanted to close the book and at the same feel like I closed the feeling of pain. But no, I couldn't do it. I couldn't because with the true words of the book, it was worth every single broken, sad, touching and raw emotion that I felt from Page 1.

And if you can literally see a heart breakin' by the expression on someone's face, I think I just saw Ashley Westcott's heart break in half..

When the love of his life walks away, nobody really knows why. And though that doesn't matter, we don't get to find out why either until almost the very last page.

It was so hard not to just leave the book and be gone with all these hard and raw emotions I didn't know would come back to me when I stumbled into the pages of "When Cicadas Cry". But, what was even harder, was to not finish Rem & Ashley's story.

In fact, the motion of actually smilin' just makes my heart break even more because I realize then that I can't feel the smile. My mouth moves up, but my heart keeps sinkin'.

How can you not fall in love with writing that has so much soul in it that you feel like you're actually and quite literally INSIDE THE STORY?! The authors writing is uncomparible to anything I have come across before, especially when reading a love story. A true love story. I read so many beautiful romances before but this one is on a whole different level.

I'm not being cheesy and I'm not just saying that. I honestly know that this story, When Cicadas Cry will make any soul weep with a happy smile but a cracking heart. I know because I am one of those people.

Every damn word in this book had it's place. Even every letter that was said, every moment that I came across, it all belonged in this story that will capture every fucking heart.

I couldn't believe how Laura Miller created a story that had a past and present interconnect with the heartbreaking but the breathtakingly beautiful moments of L.O.V.E. I din't think that it would work. I honestly didn't think that having a past part of the characters life as well as the present, running throughout the entire story, to be successful. Not at all. I read an abundance of those and I can't pick one that actually worked.

Until I stumble into the pages of this one.

Heartbreaking but worth it.

Emotionally draining but worth it.

Intense but worth it.

Heartfelt.

Beautiful.

Tearful.

Surprising.

Mysterious.

Eternal.

But. It was ALL WORTH every last breath.

This book should definitely come with a WARNING label. I wish I new what to expect from this one. I wish I knew that it wouldn't be just another love story. But i'm glad that I didn't. And that's why I wont say any more because you have NEED to read this story. It will make your entire day, year and maybe even life. It did with me and that's not something I can often admit or even say, especially with a fictional story.

But, as much as "When Cicadas Cry" was a work of fiction, I believe it serves to works for all those real moments. Those often barely noticed moments that make up your entire life. Every moment and the moments before it? All those single heartbeats, make every last breath worth the pain. heartache. tear...and everything in between.

Thank you Laura Miller for creating a story that has undoubtedly touched my heart in a way that I needed... I cannot explain how fucking beautiful Rem & Ashley's story was, I really can't. But I can say that I am currently smiling even if my heart can't feel it because it's in the process of mending itself (hope that makes sense..). This was by far one of the hardest reviews that I had to write in a long time. Reading the book was one thing but having to write my thoughts behind a story that like Rem and Ashley, has a girls bleeding heart all over it? It was damn fucking hard but again, worth every moment. Thank you!

xx

I know it's not supposed to be painless. I know all that matters is that it was worth it - that it was worth the story we so painfully, yet happily, etched, in our own handwriting, onto the fragile surface of our souls...

It isn't supposed to be painless. Love isn't supposed to be painless. It's supposed to be worth it. But all I wonder still: Was it worth it? Was it worth all the pain? Was it all worth it...to you?

If you want to find out whether Rem and Ashley's story was worth it, you know what to do!


**Check out the review on my blog as well - Heartbeats Between Words

https://heartbeatsbetweenwords.wordpr...

xx

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Laura Miller's books, reading this was "worth it". <3

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

this was such a sweet love story. loved the small town feel it held. like other books by laura miller, this one may have you feeling all misty eyed at certain points. there's secrets and a twist or two but even if i did see certain things coming from early on, it didn't take away from the emotion i felt while reading. it's a short read but packs a punch.

[deb22luvsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And the moments matter--the blissful and the painful. Every. Last. One. they are what make it worth it"

If you have never read a Laura Miller book, you need to run to the nearest bookstore and pick one up. Any one, doesn't matter. She writes the most beautiful stories that will take you on a journey of the heart, in every single way. Her books do not have descriptive physical love, they do not require that we know that part of a relationship. Her books are full of romantic love, deep, emotional and real. You will feel this book with every part of you but mostly with your most fragile of hearts. You will love the journey that Ashley and Rem take in a what will surely become a favorite read.

[Fernanda Aragão · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am indebted to Laura Miller...
I am indebted to her for over two years, since when inadvertently "Butterfly Weeds" crossed my path and I decided to give it a chance.
I am indebted to Laura Miller for not doing, at the time, a review for that book, or for "My Butterfly", which touched me so very deeply; or for "For All You Have Left", which made me cry from the beginning 'till the end, and cry all the unshed tears I had with TFIOS; or for "By Way of Accident", which brought hope to my heart.
I am indebted to Laura Miller for not reciprocated with written words what her words did to my heart.

At that time, I didn't do reviews or even knew how to review a book properly - not that I do know now. I just did what I do best: I talked and talked and talked about those books and, of course, recommended them as much as I could in hopes that one day anyone would hear me out. But that feeling of debt has always been with me.

Also, there is this list of books that touch me so deeply that I end up blocked, with no ability to sound coherent when talking about them, or with no ability to exhaust all my thoughts about them, or with no ability to wrap up all my feelings. All Laura Miller's books are on that list, and I was never able to correctly express what all of them caused me and to make justice to what Laura gave me through them. Today, however, I'll try to explain what her words, stories and characters do to my heart.

Every reader has their preferences. My preferences are eclectic, and absolutely linked to my mood. I can read a chick lit book and, soon after, I can go for a psychological thriller, if that's what my mood is requiring at the time. And to meet my needs, I have a list of authors in which I know I can trust. If I want sensibility, I go for Colleen Hoover, for example; if I want to be challenged, to be taken away from my comfort zone and to try something completely different from what I'm used to read, I go for J. A. Redmerski or Tarryn Fisher; if I need a little bit of melancholy, Jessica Sorensen is my source; but when I feel my heart is hardening, or becoming could, losing its romantic side and idealism? I need the warmth of Laura Miller's words so I will not forget that I am, indeed, a romantic girl by nature and an incorrigible one... Letters, hearts, flowers, rainbows, unicorns, fairy tales and all!

Colleen Hoover is my spring...
J. A. Redmerski is my summer, both in its clear sky days, as in its devastating storms days...
Tarryn Fisher is my winter...
Laura Miller... Laura is my autumn!

Autumn with the poetry of the orange and dry leaves carpets on the ground... Autumn with the explosion of shades of pink, orange, blue and purple in its sunsets... Autumn with the comfort of the gentle breezes which somehow warms our hearts... Autumn with its simplicity that stir our emotions.

Laura Miller writes romances in a simple and light way, which always hold our hearts from the beginning 'till the end, and which ALWAYS touch deeply our souls. She always presents us with stories that bring hope, that warm us, that remind us of the beauty of first love... the beauty and privilege of true love. And even when she holds our hearts in her hands, and squeezes them in a way we are only able to vent that pain through tears, somehow those tears also warm us as they wash the hardness and coldness that often is forced upon us. Her simple, fluid and captivating narrative has this touch of poetry and sensibility that makes you lose the real perception of time while reading her books. You get so wrapped up by it that you start the book and when you see you have reached the half of it without even realizing.

Her plots also have this simplicity that fascinates me, and this lovely, simple background that always brings a smile to my face. Even though they happen in a different country from the one I live, the similarities I find always captivate me: the charm of small towns and their traditions; the simple life of those who live in the countryside...simple but yet so beautiful in its own way.

Laura Miller's books are simple, direct, clear and perhaps that's the reason why they are so tender, innocent, especial, peaceful... That's exactly the feeling I have when reading her books; that Laura sits in this place with one of the most beautiful sights you can ever see and, in the quiet silence of the countryside, with the singing of birds or the blowing of wind or the cry of cicadas as a lullaby, she allows her characters to come to life and to gain voice, unhurried, and with no turmoil... There are no traffic jams, no rushing people, no concern. Only the peace and calm of a quiet day.

That's exactly what overflows in all of her books...
That's exactly what overflows in Remington Jude and Ashley Westcott's love story...

“Why does it have to hurt so much?” I ask.
Her smile fades a little. “It’s not supposed to be painless, Rem. It’s supposed to be worth it.”

And how worth it was to read the words in this book. How they warmed my heart.

In a touching narrative, Laura presents us with a beautiful and charming love story about Rem and Ashley. The girl from the big city that, for some reason, is drawn to that small rural town. The boy from the small town that, for some reason, is lost in those beautiful eyes from that mysterious girl. The boy and the girl who discover together the beauty of small simple things, but mostly the value of love... real love.

“Real love bleeds, you know?”
...
“That’s how you know it’s real,” she says.

But as always as in any great love story, we have the twists, the hard times, the obstacles. And with a twist somewhat similar to a book I read quite recently, I confess I was extremely grateful for the way Laura developed this plot in her book. Unlike the previous book I read, I was rewarded by how deeply I saw myself in Rem's reactions and loyalty - perhaps because the importance and value he gives to that relationship he has to put in test is very similar to the value and importance I give to mine -, and it was infinitely more exciting to read this plot told by Laura Miller - in the previous book I read I confess I was disappointed with the lack of emotions I was given.

So with a clean, simple, lightweight narrative, Laura once again touched my heart, my soul, my emotions, as only she can do, warming this heart that was getting lost in the big city rush, falling into silence in the din of the crowd, and growing cold under the weight of life.

I'll be forever grateful for having stumbled into "Butterfly Weeds" over two years ago and for giving it a shot... I'll be forever grateful for having Laura's words to warm my heart every time life gets too much of me and my heart starts to cool and harden... I'll be forever grateful for Laura's love stories and amazing characters which always give me hope and touch me deeply... I'll be forever grateful for the cicadas cry... I will be forever grateful fort autumn!

[Southern Belle Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feeling. This feeling never gets old and I look forward to it. “What is the feeling”, you ask? The tummy filled with butterflies, stars in my eyes, and pure dreaminess of finishing a Laura Miller novel. We all talk about wishing you could go back and reread your favorites for the first time. That’s how I feel every time I read a new book by Miller, and I have yet to ever be disappointed by her work. When Cicadas Cry? Yep. I’m a little swoony mess over here.

In true Miller fashion, she writes honest, loyal guys and the girls that fall in love with them. She brings to life the feeling of that first true love and how devastatingly beautiful it can be. The characters in When Cicadas Cry, Ashley and Rem, are so wholesomely sweet with such an undeniable connection. You’ll fall head first into their relationship from the get go. While this isn’t an overly long novel, the characters are extremely easy to connect with. Experiencing the relationship with them, through the highs and lows, and learning whether all of it was truly worth it was a beautiful thing. The twists and surprises in the book, while somewhat predictable, were still a fabulous addition and kept me intrigued (as if I needed help there, let’s be honest). When it all came back around, it was about a girl and boy who just wanted to love each other. And that made ME love them and the book.

Miller makes it look so easy. That’s honestly the best way to explain her and her writing style. She has this… this way with words that are so eloquent. If you know Laura Miller’s previous work, you won’t be surprised to hear that this is set in a small town with country life. It’s what she does, and I hope she never changes because she’s just so damn good at it. The stories change. The twists change. The characters are always different and each story stands on its own. But at the end of the day, if you say fairytale-like, small town romance novels, I’ll say Laura Miller. As far as I’m concerned, it’s her genre and she owns it Every. Single. Time.

It’s written as a back and forth of present day and flashbacks. As moments and experiences pass within each timeframe, you’ll find yourself feeling the love (and angst) grow with each page. I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks and I know I sound like a broken record for saying that, but Miller made me love it. I’m not sure if I was looking forward to the next here and now encounters, or watching their relationship change with each page of the past more. I know I’ve also said this before in past reviews, but she shows that you don’t have to turn your romance novel into erotica just to tell an interesting story. There’s not one sex scene. Not one. But you remember how you felt kissing the boy that showed you what love really meant? Or that heart meltingly, goosebump-inducing feeling of a smile? She nails those, and I feel like she evokes the exact same reactions that others strive to achieve. She writes classy romance with realistic storylines, or at least realistic for this Okie. ☺

Overall, no one does sweet, heartwarming romance like Miller, and When Cicadas Cry is right up there with the others. It’s a memorable, romantic tale with lovely characters and a charming (yet heartbreaking at times) story that you won’t want to put down. Do you notice how many “happy” words are in this review? Lovely? Beautiful? Because that’s what Laura Miller does. She makes my heart happy, and she has done it yet again. I sound like a serious fangirl huh? There’s a reason I’m a fangirl. Just sayin’.

When’s the next one, Laura? My heart’s ready.

<3 Erin

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My final thoughts:

When Cicadas Cry is a book that will wrap its pages around you and take hold with its tender and sweet romance, the down to earth characters, and the uncomplicated setting of small-town warmth. My head and heart just won't let go of this charming narrative.

My review:

Before I could truly put my thoughts together for When Cicadas Cry, I was singing its praises on social media and the telephone to a blogger friend of mine, urging her to read it upon release. This is my favorite Laura Miller book, yet, and my head and heart are having a hard time letting go of the characters and story. They are my characters, this is my story, or at least I wish it were so. The story alternates between past and present, which, in this case, is the perfect and only way to experience Rem and Ashley's story. If you've ever been in love or infatuated to the point of being so excited that your heart feels as if it will burst and you find yourself screaming those silent screams of happiness, this is what you will feel with this novel.

"Why does it have to hurt so much?" I ask.
Her smile fades a little. "It's not supposed to be painless, Rem. It's supposed to be worth it."

Laura Miller has a way of creating characters whose personification is represented by everything good and right in the world. They are honest, tender, and always leaving the reader wishing they are real. That is how I feel about Remington, Ashley, and even Jack as a strong secondary character. There is an immediate connection to these characters that captivates the reader. It's the honesty, closeness, and compassion they feel for one another that will seize your heart while the story becomes ingrained in you. The prose is authentic to the setting, and the epilogue is perfection, adding a harmonious and deeper meaning to Rem and Ashley's story as a whole.

Miller brings the small town rumor mill to life in this book with its simplistic and natural comforts of home. You will want to cuddle this book only to find the book is cuddling you, wrapping itself around you and holding you close. There is a secret connection to be revealed, and while the author alludes to a secret connection early on and leads the reader to believe they already know the outcome, Miller is really giving a false sense of prediction, surprising you later with an unforeseen connection. You won't find a high intensity or drama for the sake of shock value. You will find a gentle tranquility that makes this book very memorable.

He's a surprising human really. And I thought I'd met Forever in the past, but it turns out, Forever was waiting for me all along in a little town called Ava.

Miller has delivered a flawless novel with a meaningful plot, endearing and well-developed characters, and a book that will take you home again. When Cicadas Cry has a quiet tenderness that will leave you feeling good about the time you spend with Remington and Ashley, a book to be experienced and with a high re-readability factor. You won't be able to keep from feeling blessed by that special and emotional "case of the feels," and I recommend this book to everyone who has ever had or dreamed of having a first love who was honest, unpretentious, and pure.

"Real love bleeds, you know?"

[Nancy's Romance Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 PRECIOUS MOMENTS STARS!



When Cicadas Cry was another beautiful love story by this wonderful author. Here Ms. Miller yet again creates the kind of characters I so very much love from her books; genuine, humble, and heartwarming characters that captivate with the simplest of words because you just feel them speaking from the heart. Something else I love about this author, which was beautifully portrayed in this book as well, it's how she can so easily make my heart melt over and over again with just two people falling in love with each other. I think that's a very unique attribute to this author and the reason why I keep going back to her stories for more of that heartfelt romance.

“In the next heartbeat, her light green eyes are on me, and then before too long, all I feel is a smile pushin’ up my face. And it’s funny, but I swear the world just stops, like literally, just freezes on its axis, just so we can have our moment—a private moment, where we say everything and nothin’ at all. And I can’t be sure what she’s sayin’, but I know what I’m sayin’. I’m sayin’: I like you; I think you might like me, at least a little; and I don’t want this conversation to end; and I, sure as hell, don’t want this night to end.”

This story takes place in a small town in Missouri and it begins when town boy meets city girl. When Remington sees Ashley for the first time he's completely taken by her. Her beauty, her playfulness, and her curious personality were all like a straight arrow to Rem's heart. That's why after that meeting he feels like he has to know her and find out if she could ever feel the same way about him. Well, fortunately for Rem the same happens to Ashley. She also gets completely smitten by his charms, persistence, and attractiveness even at a time in her life where she wasn't exactly looking for love but couldn't help but fall for Rem.

“For the first time in a really long time, I feel as if it might not be so bad to fall head over heels for a beautiful stranger. And maybe it's because he doesn't feel like a stranger at all, really.”

But as soon as you feel the love and tenderness getting a hold of the characters that's when the plot in the story starts to spin. With chapters that alternate between past and present, Rem and Ashley's story is told from a past where they're in love to a present where they're brokenhearted and apart. So the big question is what happened? Well, that's the emotional journey these characters take you on and it's not a perfect one. It's a journey of love, faith, and the precious moments that make all the difference.

“Why does it have to hurt so much?” I ask. Her smile fades a little.

“It’s not supposed to be painless, Rem. It’s supposed to be worth it.”

Again, something this author does wonderfully is making the characters fall deeply in love and I absolutely love that about her stories. Even when the 'falling in love' is a process, I can always see and feel it happening in the perfect moments she creates with all the firsts between the characters and how magical those moments truly feel to me. So yes, I looove romance and I was very happy to have found it again in When Cicadas Cry. This story sure delivered on it with a heartfelt story about faith, strength, and a beautiful message about how love isn't always painless but definitely worth everything to keep it. ♥

“Real love bleeds. That’s how you know it’s real.”

Purchase: Amazon US * Amazon UK



Visit my blog at Nancy's Romance Reads for more reviews, book news, and more!
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Happy Reading! ;)

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we are again. It’s really difficult not to get excited when Laura publishes a new book. That doesn’t mean they all end up perfect, but it just means that there is usually always something in her books that you can really latch onto as a reader. When Cicadas Cry, while not being her best book yet, does stay true to some of the great qualities I have come to expect from her books.

It was tough for me to write a review for this one, as I want to keep echoing back to her previous books. One of the common points across all of Laura’s books is the romance. That is one thing she does a great job at for the most part. We’ve seen great romance in her previous books, and while that does carry over into When Cicadas Cry it just didn’t feel quite up to par with what I had seen in the past.

Don’t think that the book is all about the romance, because even though it’s a big factor, there are many other elements to this book to really capture the reader. I find it incredibly hard to get drawn into contemporary novels, to really feel like I am part of the story and not just someone on the outside looking in. It’s just an inherently difficult thing for contemporary authors to be able to accomplish. A lot of that has to do with minor elements, which is why I wanted to make note of the multitude of different elements that make When Cicadas Cry whole.

I wouldn’t go as far to say that I was completely drawn into the book, because I didn’t feel as though I was hooked in the way that I was hoping to be. You definitely become attached to the characters, but there were some things missing that didn’t allow me to be able to get completely hooked and drawn into the story. But again, this is an incredibly hard thing to do in contemporary, so I can’t bring myself to count it as a major fault or anything.

Laura has been able to prove time and time again that she is an amazing writer. While I don’t feel When Cicadas Cry was up to par with her previous books, it’s still well written which says a lot for her ability as an author. There were just a few aspects of When Cicadas Cry that I felt might have been a slight step back from what she shown us she can do as a writer in the past.

All in all, it was still a good book. Was I as happy with it as I have been with her previous books? No. But that isn’t saying the book is bad. Even with the great writing we continue to see from Laura, I just think it’s all going to come down to trying to create a fine balance when plotting out books. Some of the plots we have seen from her previously aid much better to that sense of immersion. When Cicadas Cry just didn’t quite hit that mark, but it’s still a great book for what it is.

Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely. If you have read any of Laura’s books before, then I would highly suggest that you pick up When Cicadas Cry. If you are new to her books, I would suggest possibly starting with one of her other books before reading this one, so you can get more of a sense of where I am coming from in my review. While it’s a good book, it just lacks slightly on things we have seen from Laura in the past.

I really look forward to seeing what is next from Laura. She proves time and time again that she has the ability to write great books. I wish When Cicadas Cry would have been as great as her other books, but it’s still really well written. I don’t want to keep repeating myself here. I just hope Laura will find that perfect balance and be able to get that depth and immersion aspect down as close to perfectly as anyone can do. I don’t think it’s ever going to be perfect, but she has so much potential.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story of finding true love, loss, fate, and how every moment in your life counts. Filled with small town charm, When Cicadas Cry will tug at your emotions and make your heart flutter a little bit faster.

When you live in a small, rural community, your neighbors have a way of knowing your business…or at least speculating about it. When Ashley moves to a small town in Missouri, all eyes are on the new, beautiful stranger – including Rem’s. When he finally gets up the courage to approach her, their attraction to one another is immediate.

Rem has never felt anything compared to the way he feels about Ashley. Their relationship seemed to be on a steady course to a bright and loving future together, but when a secret gets revealed, everything suddenly changes and things can’t go back to the way they were. How can two people who are so deeply in love just end it all so quickly? What happened between Rem and Ashley to make them throw it all away?

When Cicadas Cry is told from the past and present day from both Ashley and Rem’s perspectives. I really enjoyed this aspect of it. It allows the reader to not only see how both of the characters are maneuvering and coping in their present lives, but also revisits the past and shows how they came to fall in love. It takes you on their emotional journey to what ultimately caused the destruction of their relationship.

When Cicadas Cry is very well written and kept my interest throughout. It is a touching story that is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. I look forward to reading more by Laura Miller in the future.

[Marina Vedenkova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Итак. Провинциальный городок. Парень-работяга Рэм, живущий там с детства. Не подумайте, он не деревенщина. Но что-то в нем есть такое.
Девушка Эшли из большого города. Она появилась из ниоткуда и потом исчезла в никуда. Авторские отсылки в их совместное прошлое очень интриговали меня, я все ждала, что Эшли выскочит из-за кустов с криками "Мы их всех обманулиииии!!!" И вот уже треть книги... половина... а она все не выскакивает. А потом еще и все эти их случайные встречи. И я понимаю, что они никого обманывать не собирались. Тут все серьезно. В прошлом они кажутся невероятно милой парой. И мне интересно, что же их могло разлучить.
Потом происходит парочка странностей, и так как думаю (и фантазирую) я быстрее, чем читаю, получилось забавно. Ну, то есть, я уже успела напридумывать, что Рэм вообще в псих. больнице. Или что в псих. больнице Эшли... Не знаю. В общем, больная я.
Вы представляете? Небольшая книжонка, а попотеть меня заставила.
Что ж, когда всё выяснялось, я мысленно покрывала Рэма трехэтажными матами. Нет, ну серьезно? Сразу скажу, у меня все братья, слава Богу, живы и здоровы, поэтому я не знаю, что он чувствует, но отказаться от девушки своей мечты из-за мертвого родственника?! Нет уж, увольте. И если честно, эта его глупость очень сильно смазала впечатление от книги. Хотел узнать, кто был девушкой брата? Вот, пожалуйста.
Когда он от мертвого брата начал еще и одобрения ждать, у меня началась истерика. Простите меня, но... да, так ждать и до самой могилы можно.
В целом, книга неплохая. Советую вам одним вечером после напряженного рабочего дня обратить на нее внимание.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a good, honest, love story this is the book for you. Laura Miller is an author that knows how to write a story that brings the characters to life, gets you involved in their lives, and makes you become invested in them. The characters are real, wholesome, small town people. Especially Rem. His demeanor is typical small town. Everyone knows what everyone else is doing and he is okay with that. He knows that is how his town is. Ashley comes from rural, but not quite small town USA. She learns that rumors are started and spread quickly throughout the small town.

There is a mystery in this book. Who is leaving Owen postcards? I did not figure it out. I was surprised when the who was revealed. I had ideas, I even thought about the person who was leaving the postcards. Yet, I did not believe that I had the right answer. This was not the main part of the story, but it was an important part.

The relationship between Ashley and Rem was the story. I enjoyed hearing about the past and learning where they were at the present in the same book. It was easy to follow, fun to read, and kept me entirely entertained from the first page to the last page. You could feel the love, the respect, and the angst within each chapter. I cannot choose which I liked better, the present or the history. They both told a story that was necessary to know Ashley and Ben.


Laura Miller is the perfect romance author. When Cicadas Cry is wonderful. This is a book that you cannot pass up. Pick up your copy NOW!

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, without a doubt, a beautiful story. But, while I figured out the plot early on already, I could not connect to the love these two characters shared. It felt more like insta-love than a "slow-build" love between two people.
Beautiful story, beautifully written and I'll surely check out other books by this author. I have seen nothing but praise for When Cicadas Cry, but unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me...

[MandaLee]

Another small town Mo read for me!!

[Kim Person]

THIS!!!!!


OMG this synopsis!!!!!!

I'm seriously marking my calendar for THIS ONE!!!!!!

[❤️Melanie G.&#x1f4d6;&#x1f49b; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, story line and characters. Loved it!!!

[Cinco Garotas Exemplares · Rating 5 out of 5]

‪#‎DicaDaVez‬ ‪#‎DividaDaVez‬ ‪#‎LivrosEmIngles‬ ‪#‎QuandoAsCigarrasChoram‬

Estou em dívida com Laura Miller…
Estou em dívida há pouco mais de dois anos, quando, sem querer, “Butterfly Weeds” cruzou meus caminhos e eu resolvi lhe dar uma chance.
Estou em dívida com Laura Miller por não ter feito, à época, uma resenha para aquele livro, ou para “My Butterfly”, que tanto me marcaram; ou para “For All You Have Left”, que me fez chorar do começo ao fim, e chorar todas as lágrimas não derramadas com “A Culpa é das Estrelas”; ou para “By Way of Accident” que trouxe esperança ao meu coração.
Estou em dívida com Laura Miller por não ter retribuído com palavras escritas o que suas palavras fizeram ao meu coração.

Àquela época, eu não fazia ou sequer sabia como fazer resenhas – não que saiba hoje -, ou desabafos, ou considerações. Eu apenas fazia o que sei fazer de melhor: falar e falar e falar sobre os livros que leio e, claro, indicá-los na esperança de que qualquer pessoa um dia me ouça. Mesmo assim, aquela sensação de dívida sempre me acompanhou.

Além disso, existe uma lista de livros que me tocam tão profundamente, que acabam bloqueando minha capacidade de soar coerente ao falar sobre eles, ou sobre os quais eu não consigo esgotar todas as minhas considerações, ou sobre os quais eu não consigo colocar todos os meus sentimentos no lugar. Assim, no que se refere aos livros de Laura Miller, eu nunca achei que tivesse a capacidade de expressar corretamente, e com justiça, o que eles me proporcionaram. Hoje, entretanto, tentarei explicar o que as palavras, histórias e personagens criados por essa autora provocam em mim.

Todo leitor tem suas preferências. Minhas preferências são ecléticas, e absolutamente ligadas ao meu humor. Posso ler uma comédia romântica e, logo depois, passar para um thriller psicológico, se essa for a exigência do meu humor no momento. E, para suprir essas exigências, tenho uma lista de autores nos quais sei que posso confiar para suprir cada uma delas. Se quero sensibilidade, recorro a Colleen Hoover; se quero ser desafiada, tirada da minha zona de conforto ou experimentar algo completamente diferente do que estou habituada a ler, recorro a J. A. Redmerski ou Tarryn Fisher; se preciso de melancolia, Jessica Sorensen é minha fonte; mas, quando sinto meu coração esfriar, endurecer, perder sua veia romântica e idealista? Necessito do calor das palavras de Laura Miller para não esquecer que sou, sim, uma romântica por natureza e incorrigível… Cartas, corações, flores, arco-íris, unicórnios, contos de fada e tudo mais!

Colleen Hoover é minha primavera…
J. A. Redmerski é meu verão, tanto em seus dias de céu limpo, quanto em seus dias de tempestades devastadoras…
Tarryn Fisher é meu inverno…
Laura Miller… Laura é meu outono!

Outono com a poesia dos tapetes de folhas secas e alaranjadas ao chão… Outono com a explosão de tons de rosa, laranja, azul e roxo em seus pores-do-sol… Outono com o conforto da brisa suave que, de certa forma, aquece nossos corações… Outono com sua simplicidade que emociona.

Laura Miller escreve romances, de forma simples e direta, que sempre prendem nossos corações do começo ao fim, e que SEMPRE tocam profundamente nossas almas. Ela sempre nos presenteia com histórias que trazem esperança, que nos aquece, que nos fazem lembrar da beleza de um primeiro amor… da beleza e privilégio de um amor verdadeiro. E mesmo quando, ao segurar nossos corações em suas mãos, ela os aperta, sendo necessário desabafar aquela dor em lágrimas, de certa forma aquelas lágrimas também aquecem, pois lavam de nossas vidas a dureza e frieza que muitas vezes nos é imposta, e que endurecem e esfriam nossos corações. Sua narrativa simples e fluida, tem um toque de poesia e sensibilidade, que te fazem perder a percepção real do tempo. O ritmo é tão fluido e a narrativa tão cativante, que você inicia o livro e, quando se dá conta, já ultrapassou a metade dele, sem nem ao menos dar-se conta disso.

cicadas2
“A cidade toda já pensa que estamos apaixonados.”
Seus enredos também trazem uma simplicidade que me encanta, e um pano de fundo adorável, singelo que trazem um sorriso sempre ao meu rosto. Mesmo passando-se em um país diferente, as semelhanças sempre me cativam: as pequenas cidades e suas tradições; o campo e sua vida simples, mas não menos rica em sua própria maneira de ser. Há um beleza tão rica na simplicidade da vida…
Aparentemente, tudo nos livros de Laura Miller é simples, direto, e, talvez por isso mesmo, são carregados de singeleza, cuidado, sentimento, paz… É exatamente essa a sensação que tenho ao ler seus livros; de que Laura senta em um local com uma das vistas mais lindas que uma pessoa pode admirar e, no calmo silêncio do campo, embalada pelo canto dos pássaros ou pelo sopro do vento ou pelo choro das cigarras, ela permite que seus personagens ganhem vida e voz, sem pressa, sem tumulto… Não há engarrafamentos, não há correria, não há preocupação. Apenas a paz e calma de um dia tranquilo.
É exatamente isso que transborda em todos os seus livros…
É exatamente isso que transborda na história de Remington Jude e Ashley Westcott…

“Por que precisa ser tão doloroso?”, pergunto.
Seu sorriso se desvanece um pouco. “Não é para ser indolor, Rem. É para valer a pena.”

E como ler as palavras deste livro valem a pena. Como elas aquecem nossos corações.
Em uma narrativa tocante, Laura nos presenteia com uma bela e encantadora história de amor entre Rem e Ashley. A garota da cidade grande que, por alguma razão, se encanta pela pequena cidade rural. O garoto da pequena cidade que, por alguma razão, se perde nos olhos verdes da garota misteriosa. O garoto e a garota que descobrem, juntos, a beleza das pequenas coisas, mas, principalmente, o valor do amor. Mas, como sempre em uma boa história de amor, temos as reviravoltas, as dificuldades, o empecilhos.

“O amor verdadeiro sangra, sabia?”
…
“É assim que sabemos que ele é real,” ela diz.

Com uma reviravolta um pouco semelhante a um livro que li bem recentemente, confesso que fiquei extremamente grata pela forma como Laura desenvolveu esse tema em seu livro. Diferentemente do livro anterior que li, foi gratificante identificar-me tao profundamente com as reações de Rem – talvez porque a importância e valor da relação que ele tem e que é posta em prova é extremamente parecida com a minha -, e foi infinitamente mais emocionante ler esse tema narrado por Laura Miller – no livro anterior confesso que havia ficado decepcionada com o tom apático dado. Assim, mesmo com uma narrativa limpa, simples, leve, Laura mais uma vez tocou meu coração, minha alma, minhas emoções, como apenas ela e capaz de fazer, aquecendo, mais uma vez, esse coração que estava se perdendo na correria da cidade grande, se calando no meio do barulho da multidão, se esfriando diante da formalidade da vida.
Serei eternamente grata por um dia ter achado do nada o livro “Butterfly Weeds”… Serei eternamente grata por ter as palavras de Laura Miller aquecendo meu coração… Serei eternamente grata pelas singelas e tocantes histórias de amor e personagens que me dão esperança e me tocam profundamente… Serei eternamente grata pelo canto das cigarras… Serei eternamente grata pelo outono!
(Infelizmente, nenhum dos livros da autora foram publicados no Brasil, estando disponíveis apenas em inglês. Espero, verdadeiramente, que um dia todos possam ser tocados e aquecidos por essas palavras.)

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible spoilers but I tried not to :)

Oh my goodness, I just don't even know how to express my emotions for this absolutely stunning and beautiful story. I felt like this was watching some of the people I grew up with, in our small town, fall in love and it's a simply beautiful love to see in person too. I felt like this book captured that essence perfectly plus some. This is most definitely a top read for me and I happily and whole-heartedly give it 5 stars (even though it's a 10 star read for me)!!

This book is about all of the moments and possible moments too and tells you just that when it starts out:

"One moment.
One moment can shape our entire life.
One deep breath.
One slow exhale.
The first time you feel soft grass on your bare feet.
The last time you fell in love.
One painted sunrise.
A note in a song.
One line in a poem.
Your first shot of whiskey.
One taste of forbidden love.
One word spoken too soon.
One word spoken too late.
Your first heartbreak.
One dance with a stranger.
One smile.
One look.
One thought.
One wayward memory.
One secret kept just a moment too long.

That’s all it takes."




Of course, every love story has its first moments. I loved reading the internal dialogue with Rem because it was simple and funny and was everything all of us have ever thought when talking to our crushes.

"I can’t be sure what she’s sayin’, but I know what I’m sayin’. I’m sayin’: I like you; I think you might like me, at least a little; and I don’t want this conversation to end; and I, sure as hell, don’t want this night to end."



Add in the small town charm too! This was a perfectly described small townism moment:

“That’s the beauty of livin’ out here. You’ll learn pretty quickly that things—and words—just get passed down. Around here, not many people question things. Now, as a kid, you might try to ask why. But not many people will give you a straight answer. And I don’t know if that’s just because they never knew the answer to begin with or if they just don’t want to tell ya or if they just plain forgot.”



And then there's this absolutely profound moment between Ashley and Rem that just makes you cry:

“You know, Ashley Westcott,” he says, in a low, rasping voice. The way he says my name makes me take notice. “I realize there was probably a chance—before we ever met—that our paths were never gonna cross in this life.” He shrugs his shoulders a little. “You know, maybe it was some choice we made or didn’t make that caused a road to fork a different way or somethin’, and we missed each other by just an inch. We’d never know it, of course, and we’d go on livin’ our lives in blissful ignorance, never knowin’ what we missed out on. ...I don’t know, maybe we’d each marry different people and have a couple kids. And maybe we’d grow old with the people we married.” He pauses and lowers his eyes before finding mine again. “But I know, if that were the case—if I never would have crossed paths with you—I never would have known love. Because as far as I’m concerned, there’s only one definition of it out there...and I’m convinced it’s lyin’ right here next to me.”


This was just so eloquently said and all I could wish for was a Rem in my life saying this to me!



Ashley is so mysterious through this entire book and you know she's holding back with Rem. Rem is ever so patient and ever the gentleman through this story. Eventually, you learn more about Ashley and it's not what you expect especially from someone so mysterious. Like all people though, both make some pretty significant errors in this story and you want to be angry with them but you're also pulling for them so so much!

The defining moment between them was not quite what I expected it to be and brings the entire story full circle in an exquisite literary style.
I originally questioned how the storied rotated with past versus present chapters but not after all was said and done. There couldn't have been a better way to write the story!
I also appreciate the story/plot of the book and it was not centered around sex like so many stories can be.


There is a ridiculously low number of books or movies that even make me tear up or become super sentimental. But this one did it and not simply but rather in a drawn out way that weaves its way into your heart and mind. It subtly draws you in through the beautiful, intriguing, defining, small moments and even through the guy convos and humor. It brings you to a home where hearts are and makes you a part of the community and makes you crave to stay there where life is simple, beautiful and worth every single moment.


"One moment. One moment can shape our entire life. One moment; that’s all it takes. But the thing is, that’s not the whole story. The whole story is a little more complicated than that. For what really shapes our lives is more like a series of moments—one on top of the other. Like, it’s not just one sunrise that shapes us, but all the nights before it. Just like it’s not one cut to the heart that tears us apart, but all the memories that preceded it. It’s a look on top of a thought, on top of a word, on top of a smile. It’s a heart-pounding question, after a silent prayer. It’s a slow dance, in the midst of a storm. It’s a chance taken, even before you’re given it. It’s a strange weave of tears and sweat and laughter. It’s called life. It’s about love. And sometimes, it’s painful. But every time, it’s worth it."

[Wyayn Rasmussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it all the way up until the end. Seems liked the ending was rushed and not real believable.

[Sofia Liguori · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Laira · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a real joy to get to talk about one of Laura Miller's books, not only because they are really good ones, but mostly because you can't keep your mouth shut after reading them — not for too long at least.

When I first read A Bird on a Windowsill I went to a state of awe, happiness and thrill regarding the way she deals with the writing stuff. I don't know how she does it, but she has this kind of power that makes the most beautiful feelings to blossom through her words. So, yes. I became an obsessed fan with her work. I seriously love her books, and I also relate so much to those small town characters she creates, because I was born and raised in a small town as well. The only difference is that I'm a brazilian small town girl.

Now here I am trying to share how it was my experience reading When Cicadas Cry and I'm scared to hell that this review or any other one will never live up to her stories. That's why I'm not going to say much. We can't say much about something that already speaks for itself.

In this book we are introduced to Ashley Westcott and Remington Jude. We also get to know a small town Missouri called Ava and its people's habits. And it was fun, because the story already starts talking about rumors, I mean small town rumors. If you live in a town, I bet you know what I'm talking about. Life can be a prankster most of the times, and it has definitely decided to come into sight aiming on Ashley and Rem. They've met a while ago, fell in love, made happy and worthy memories, but then, in the blink of an eye she's gone, and Rem just ended up forgotting how to live and how to be himself. All those moments come beautifully wrapped in Laura's heart melting and passionate narrative.

When Cicadas Cry is a story about love and its great power of hurting and healing. It's about loyalty in its pure essence. It's about moments and what it takes to get your whole life changed by them, and how powerful they can be. It's also purposefully about the painful ones, because they are what it takes to make you ask yourself how worthwhile they were and how much they deserve to be lived.

And if you ask me right now, "Laira, was it?" I'd totally answer, "Yes."

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so confused when reading this book. It jumps back and forth from the past to the present, and when it jumps into the past it is all over the place. It goes back in the past through many years. For the first half of the book I wasn't sure what was happening. I was intrigued enough to want to find out.
Remington see's Ashley and is instantly in love. He makes sure to show up at places he knows she is going to be. When she see's him the feeling is mutual. As they get to know each other they fall in love.
Throughout the book you hear stories about Owen but you're really not sure who he is. When the secret comes out other secrets are revealed.

Although I enjoyed this book I felt there wasn't a lot of back ground information on Remington or Ashley. I would have like to know Ashley's part before making her way to town.

This book was an easy read, and I would read other's from this author.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book that Laura Miller has written and was anxiously awaiting this one. I read several reviews and was a bit surprised by them...thankfully I didn't pay too much attention to them because I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It had every element that a Laura Miller book is known for...emotional, great characters, beautiful writing and a great story. This book is not a cookie-cutter novel...it is original and written from past to present which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Each word in this book leads to something. "Every moment is precious. Every moment means somethin.'" I loved the ending so much!

"It' not supposed to be painless, Rem. It is supposed to be worth it."

It is a favorite of 2015 for me!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read! I've said it before about Laura Miller's books and I'll say it again, I could not put this book down! I had to read it all in one day. I had to know Ashley and Rem's story!
I absolutely loved the characters and how perfectly they fit into the settings. Laura Miller didn't leave a single detail out.
If you want to read a book full of suspense, excitement, sadness, and love then read When Cicadas Cry!

[Maritza Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt story

Wow, this is my second book I've read from Laura Miller. I love her words. Its like she's writing from her heart, straight to me. Loved Remi. What a fascinating character. Ashley was just a precious. Their story was beautiful, pure and I envied what they felt for each other. It truly was love at first sight. Like every relationship there's ups and downs. Remi and Ashley had their own, but we still got our happily ever after.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cicadas Cry was a cute little town romance with a really big twist at the end. Laura Miller, as usual, captivated me with this sweet and seemingly normal romance with a small town boy and his big city sweetheart. Laura Miller usually does little twists in her novels but this won tops them all. It makes for a really good story that I could not put down.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really hard to rate this book, I was stuck between 3/4 stars because though I really enjoyed the plot, there was something missing. I felt that I couldn't connect to the beginning of their love story, it felt too insta-love ish for me. It was very well written though and did have me tearing up at some parts.

3.5 stars.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay. The end 1/4 was better.

One thing that really annoyed me was the way anything with an "ing" was written when it was being told from Rem's POV. The g was left off - to be replaced with an ' so nothin', runnin', somethin' etc. I get Rem is a country boy, but does that really mean we need to write the english language differently?

[Mayra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was good but, I never really understood why Rem broke up with Ashley. I get that it was because of Owen but he needed to just get over it. He never really knew if Owen was in love with Ashley. But, in the end i thought it turned out fine they just needed to get back together a little faster.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was good. Really good.
I know that this kind of storytelling isn't for everyone, but it's exactly what I've been looking for lately. The tone was perfect, the voice was solid and consistent all the way throughout, and it has a lovely ending. I should have seen the twist coming, but I didn't, and it almost made me cry.

I definitely want to revisit this one again in the future.