Author Salina R. Cruz Books

The Falling of Leaves took me by surprise. It’s so refreshing to read something that doesn’t rush, doesn’t dramatize, but still hits you right in the heart. It’s written with such care and emotion that you can feel every word. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say this: it’s the kind of story that stays with you quietly, long after you’re done. Thank you for writing this amazing book💕

The Falling of Leaves was absolutely breathtaking. It was emotional, raw, and beautifully written—every word pulled on my heartstrings and stayed with me long after I finished. The only downside was how much it made me cry (far more than I’d like to admit!), but that just shows how powerful and moving this story truly is. A must-read that deserves every bit of 5 stars.

I LOVED this book. I went on a short weekend trip and ended up sitting at my campsite reading, instead of exploring the area. Each conversation and interaction was well thought through. It feels so intimate! Great job on a great second book! Cannot wait for your third book!

I loved this book. I couldn’t stop reading and had to know what would happen next. Such a captivating story and I loved the switching point of views and timelines as we slowly put the pieces of the mystery together. An amazing read and I am excited to read future books.

This was an incredible book that I couldn’t put down. Beautifully written and left me feeling empty and wanting more by the end. The story was emotional and real and unlike any other book I’ve read before. I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked up this book, but I can honestly say that this is a book that I will continue to think about and recommend to others.

Beautiful. Authentic. Raw. Emotional. These are the words that describe this book. Salina’s writing style is so beautiful and easy to follow. I found myself re-reading multiple paragraphs and sentences just because of how beautifully written & descriptive they were. I finished this book a few weeks ago, and I still find myself thinking about it. I felt as if I knew these two characters personally by the end of the book and if I had walked alongside them in their journey. This was a heartbreakingly beautiful book.

I loved how honest this book was. How it portrayed the highs, lows, trials, and tribulations many couples, (and individuals) face in real life. While heavier topics were discussed, I do feel as if Salina approached it with grace and sensitivity while also portraying the real life emotions that accompany them.

Prepare for a book that will wreck you in the best possible way. The novel is both beautifully tragic and tragically beautiful. It is an honest, raw, and heartbreaking look at love and loss. This story doesn't fool you, it indicates its tragic nature from the start, and that's what makes the journey you go on so necessary and effective. What makes this story so impactful is its unwavering and raw portrayal of love and turmoil. Of trials and tribulations. This story is real and relatable. Salina does an amazing job of showing you what love can look like for some and what the outcome may be for some. The Falling of Leaves is a novel that is definitely one you pick up and read again.

This was such a good, solid murder mystery thriller!! Everything built up at a natural pace and ended beautifully!! I would really recommend this to anyone who loves duo POVs, unpredictable outcomes, and an ending that’ll make you tear up a little.

This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. It’s heavy. It’s raw. It’s REAL. The characters are so well written with a depth that makes them relatable. With their flaws, with their virtues…they are real. No one escapes life without dealing with things that Salina writes about in her book. Prepare to feel ALL the feels, page after page, as you read. It’s a hard story, but one that needs to be told and one that needs to be read.

The Falling of Leaves is a realistic, well thought out novel about marriage and all of it’s ups and downs. The characters Jackson and Evelyn are honest and true and very relatable. I felt the giddy highs and the heartbreaking lows these two were going through while trying to find their way back together or to possibly separate. I couldn’t put it down. Simply wonderful storytelling.

This book is soooo good and these characters are so dang messy. It's the best of real life trauma, martial issues, and difficult family dynamics all bundled with the compelling intimate thoughts and revelations of the craziest inside scoop you'll ever read. So many times this book has me gasping with "Did she really just say that?!" & "Are you f---ing kidding me?"
Written in a dual timeline, letter format, this novel dives into serious topics. The MMC Jackson makes you want to weep for him and slap him all at the same time. His relentless pursuit of love makes for an trainwreck you can't put down. A must read book!

Now that this masterpiece is out in the world, I can give my full review!! Salina has written a heartbreaking & beautiful story surrounded by second chances and letting go.

The tone is so different than her previous book (a YA mystery), but I truly believe she’s found her rhythm as a writer. Her ability to connect you to these messy characters while also rooting for their relationship is INSANE!!

I could NOT put this down. The past and present storytelling added to the urgency of what will happen next and WOW IT HURT WHEN IT ALL CAME TOGETHER!! And in the form of a letter from Jackson to Evelyn…CHEFS KISS!

Jackson, the MMC, had such a tender view on love. He adores Evelyn. He pushes her out of her comfort zone but does so in a way that is seeped in pure adoration. I loved getting to know the perspective of a more emotionally in-tune male character.

The dynamics of Jackson and Evelyn WERE SO REAL! Different ways of coping and different ways of healing. I legit felt like I was reading a memoir of someones actual story because of how authentic it felt! Salina has written two very different characters with so much care that you can’t help but love and grieve for them both as they go through some of life’s hardest experiences.

This book is for anyone that needed a second chance, was given a second chance, or wish they had a second chance. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s phenomenal.

I would recommend to anyone who loves a book with:
🍂Past & Present timelines
🍂Complex Family Dynamics
🍂A letter format of storytelling
🍂Second chances
🍂Marriage and divorce

There are some heavier topics discussed, so without major spoilers, just be mindful of grief, loss, divorce, and traumatic childbirth.

this book destroyed me in the best way possible. it’s so beautifully written it’s like every line is poetry. the emotions feel real, like you’re living through every heartbreak that the character go through and i seriously couldn’t put it down. i’m gonna be thinking about this one for a long time. totally recommend to anyone who wants to feel everything. 10/10 would be wrecked by this book again

This book was absolutely beautiful. Salina perfectly captures every emotion and the story is so well written. Easily a five star book and forever favorite!

Loved this book!!! Beautifully told story like nothing I’ve ever read. Very unexpected ending was definitely mad at first. Really showed a true marriage with its ups and downs. Such a good read!