Labor Not in Vain : Unwritten Melody by Tessa Emily Hall ~ Blog Tour, Giveaway, and Review

Today I have a special post to share with you, I had the privilege to review Tessa Emily Hall's newest book Unwritten Melody, and I'm so excited to share it with you. Also be sure to check out the giveaway opportunity at the end of this post!

About the Book: Does breaking free require breaking the rules?

Cassie Gilbert lives every day in the shadows of her deceased mom’s rebellion.But now that she’s seventeen, she finds herself longing to break away from her grandmother’s suffocating rules, experience what it’s like to be a regular teenager, and fulfill her songwriting dreams.

James Russo, former American Spotlight contestant, escapes to small town Willow Creek, SC hoping to flee from his tarnished past. When a school project pairs him with the shy principal’s granddaughter, he’s determined to get to know this Emily-Dickinson- obsessed and typewriter-using girl. His plan? Convince Cassie to co-write songs for his demo album.

As Cassie gets to know James over “project meetings” (more like opportunities to match her lyrics with his melodies), she becomes intrigued by his sense of adventure and contagious passion for music. But soon, his past becomes exposed. Cassie’s left to wonder—did she make the same mistake Mom did by falling for the bad boy?

Then, Grandma’s control pushes her over the edge. Cassie must choose between remaining in the chains of yesterday, or delving into her own freedom by completing the melody her mom left behind.

Where to find Unwritten Melody:

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

My Review:

Cassie Gilbert longs for freedom, and she finds a refuge in words, poetry and lyrics to songs. She lives a sheltered life with her grandparents, attending a small private Christian school where her grandmother is also the principal. Cassie's life is tightly managed by her grandmother, who only allows her to hang out with her best friend, Shelby, and her cousin, Dakota, and doesn't want her to make the mistakes that her mother did.

When teen singer/songwriter James Russo comes to their small school, Cassie finds herself paired with him for an English assignment, to write a song using the words of Emily Dickinson. Though they are different, James and Cassie find in each other kindred spirits, both hurting from the pain of their pasts.

James has never met anyone like Cassie, he is amazed by her ability to capture emotions infused with hope. He has been struggling to put together his first album, and whether or not he should pursue a music career or be practical an go to school and get a job. Cassie has him rethinking everything, will they be able to help each other find hope?

Told from alternating perspectives this book follows the unlikely friendship between Cassie and James. I liked both of them immediately, and it was easy to see that while most people wouldn't put them together, they were both on the similar journeys of the heart, and were true friends there when the other needed them the most.

Cassie struggles to love her grandmother, who holds her to strict rules and curfews, and she often wonders if she is a burden to her grandparents. I liked the relationship that Cassie shared with her grandfather, whom she called "Dad," he is soft where her grandmother is hard and encourages Cassie to spread her wings and to know the truth. Cassie doesn't wear her feelings on her sleeve, but writes them down with her treasured typewriter, expressing them through prose and lyrics.

James found fame on a singing competition reality show, but he is still dealing with the demons of his past. I liked how he reaches out to Cassie and makes an effort to really get to know her, he is understanding and is amazed to find someone who understands him in return. James is a likable young man on the inside and out, he knows that he has made mistakes, but he tries to do better.

Overall, a heartfelt read, engaging with magnetic characters that had me glued to the page. Well written in a riveting style that drew me to Cassie and James, I enjoyed every moment of this book. Full of hope, this is a heartfelt read that explores the hurts and pain of humanity, as well as the hope that comes from beyond. Highly recommend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Enter for your chance to win the Unwritten Melody Prize Pack! Two winners

will be selected and announced on Tessa’s blog the final day of tour (Friday,

December 9 th ) and will be notified via email.

This prize pack includes…

E-copy of Unwritten Melody
Signed paperback copy of Purple Moon
Unwritten Melody mug, filled with goodies
Unwritten Melody swag, including a bookmark, pen, and poster
Starbucks mocha flavored instant coffee
Free Unwritten Melody: Page-By- Page Secrets PDF
Handmade journal
Typewritten thank you note

*This giveaway is open to the US only

To enter the giveaway follow the link to the rafflecopter: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b814e64b20/

Tessa Emily Hall

About the Author: Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show others
they’re not alone—and because she remembers the teen life like it was yesterday (or a few years ago). The debut novel she wrote at 16-years- old, PURPLE MOON (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) was a Selah 2014 Finalist. Her second novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, releases with Clean Reads November 2016. She’s the Founder of PursueMagazine.net, a magazine that inspires teens to embrace their calling. Tessa also enjoys helping writers achieve their dreams through her
internship at Hartline Literary Agency.

When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, Tessa can be found making healthy homemade lattes, speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. She writes in a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Southeastern coast. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media
(@tessaemilyhall), and website.