Fall: A Year of Change

Silver Leaf University #1

by Lisette Blythe

The beginning of his senior year at Silver Leaf University starts off happily; one year from completing his degree and even less time before he returns to the world of his heart, the family farm in Korea. Seonghun’s attention has faltered again. This time it isn’t his case of incurable homesickness returning; no, his attention is captured by his new quiet, elusive roommate.

Maliah is a revelation to his world. She’s the opposite of him in almost every way; petite, driven, and most surprisingly of all - she’s black.

Smart, focused, and talented, there is more to this young woman than meets the eye and he wants to know it all. Will she trust him enough to let him in? What changes in his life will she bring? How can he fit into her life? How can she fit into his?

They come from two different worlds but will they connect for longer than the Fall semester?

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This type of book is not usually my style, but I'm glad I took the time to read it. It's good to broaden my horizons.
I'm not great with romance books, because I get easily embarrassed when the sexy stuff begins to happen. I like that the characters were written intentionally and carefully. The main cast sound like people I'd like to be friends with in real life.
The author also wrote the relationships very thoughtfully. I think this book would really be good for young people because it is full of good examples of healthy romantic and also platonic relationships between people. The way the characters communicated with each other and set boundaries was very respectful and I appreciate that because it's not always portrayed well in romance novels.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down…

My favorite aspect of this book is the care with which the characters were written. Each one feels like a friend now. As Seonghan and Maliah were falling for each other, I was falling for them. I did a lot of giggling and kicking my feet over all the roommates. It made me miss my own college days.

The subject matter was intense at times, so readers with traumatic experiences should take care about possible triggers. I don’t know much about Korean language and culture, so I can’t speak on its representation in the book. I did appreciate the acknowledgment of the relevance of Black American history to understanding American culture.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and the characters solid . Seonghan tries to find Maliah in every sense of the word . They slowly fall for one another in this very tender ,peeling away at barriers erected through pain and anxiety he feels emanating through the walls. A look into the College scene from the point of view of male teens in a new country finding themselves in awe of American way of life in contrast to Korea
I received an advance copy of this book and my review is in my own words and voluntary

[Lisa Gaede · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touching, intricate book about college life, struggles, trauma, friendship, love, acceptance, and the importance of being that person for someone else. This story takes place at a college, and details the events of 4 roommates. The characters were so deeply laid out you could not help but fall in love with them. College life is hard, and instead of focusing on the academics, Lisette Blythe focused her novel instead on the human nature related to the hardships students face, especially those from a different country, and the traumas life brings about. Within the mix of them learning how to help themselves and one another, and be their authentic selves, an intriguing story line connects the roommates and creates some suspense.

In this day of social media, texting, and resorting to surface-level conversations, you get caught up in the sharing of souls as Seonghun and Maliah spend much of their time writing to one another, even though they live next to each other in a dorm and a spend a lot of time together. To share their hearts, hurts, and open themselves up was beautiful to witness, and definitely enriches the reading experience. As I read, I got hopeful about the goodness in people, and being able to respect the quirks and differences we see in others, and instead of finding fault, work to better understand, respect and support them.

I would highly recommend this book, and look forward to the next book in the series. Definitely a book that will have a lasting impact.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many things I loved about this debut novel. I loved how well-rounded the cast of characters are and how the cultural differences are addressed. I also want to speak to the level of consent the author built into the relationships between I initially balked thinking how unrealistic it was and then fell into the comfort of this is what mutual respect looks like. It was a wonderful refreshing love story with an ominous threat hanging over all of their heads. The ending threw me off, and I wasn’t prepared for the unexpected cliffhanger in a romance. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the story and want more from the characters.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read, Lisette's debut novel is a page turner. You're introduced to 4 characters and while the story centers around 2 of them, Lisette does an amazing job and giving you the right amount details so that you feel a connection with all of them. Don't be scared away by the page count either, the characters and plot of the book are so well developed that you will effortlessly glide through the pages wanting to get to the next page eagerly.

[Janae O'Shields]

DNF. I may come back and try again.

This is an odd one. I was looking for a fall vibes romcom, but I don’t think this is it. I’m intrigued by the neuro and cultural diversity of the MCs, which is why I think I’ll try to finish it another time—I find myself caring about the characters and what happens to them. But the writing is stiff, unnatural at times, and a bit juvenile at others.

[Rameisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we get Hallmark on the line?

It's hard to describe all the feelings I had while reading this story. Adorable, heart-warming, and wow- that a new kind of spicy reaction. Be prepared to get sucked in- when the tracker said 100%...well I'll leave that to you to figure out.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

This was my first book by this author and it was so good. I love the friend group of guys, and how they all became one with Maliah. Maliah had a rough upbringing and seo is so passionate about helping her. Yall must read this

[Janya P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had my little hiccups with this book. Mainly the 🌶️ I was unaware that it would have any and I feel like it was a tad much. It was some other little things but that was the main reason. Also I felt like the book dragged a lot in some places.

[Chatema Gaddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It little long

This book was a slow burn. Just like with fantasies it takes me while to finish the book but when you get to the part when it picks up it will hold my attention. But this ending tho...owe. I'm going to have to finish this series now.

[O'Shan Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start to a series! This was a nice story and the characters were believable and sweet. It was an easy read and a relationship tale that I liked reading. Congratulations on your first book!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this

This is a great read. I'm looking forward to the sequel. My only negative is no need for the crazy ex roommate. The story is great alone without her.

[Barbara Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, especially by a first time author! I like the comfortable style of voices the writer gives her characters, especially 'Maliah', love her personality!

[Trinesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf, just not my kind of book. The start is way too slow for me to continue