The False Flat

By: Melissa Collings

Narrated by: Alaska Jackson

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-two 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.

©2024 by Melissa R. Collings. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Melissa Collings’s The False Flat is a haunting, character-driven novel…Pen and Grant’s love story is touching, profound, and fascinating.” —Readers’ Favorite

“With a particular interest for fans of multicultural and interracial romance, The False Flat by novelist Melissa Collings is a finely crafted work of literary excellence that will be enjoyed by the reader from start to finish. An extraordinary and highly recommended pick for community and college/university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections…” —Midwest Book Review

“A heartwarming, heart-wrenching debut for lovers of Emily Henry and Etta Easton, The False Flat is like curling up with a good cup of tea and your new best friends. A must-read.” —Rea Frey, #1 bestselling author of Don’t Forget Me and In Every Life

I’m Gobsmacked

What a wonderfully beautiful piece. Thank you. You have settled my head and heart. All we need is love!

A decadent audiobook

This book is for those who love Jodi Picoult’s mix of romance, reality, and tragedy, which is, I believe, life itself. I loved the story, it’s relatable for anyone, but I think especially for those of us who find ourself torn between our personal and professional self, and all the ways life weaves in and out of those things. It was enchanting.

Life lessons

Wow! Just wow! I balled my eyes out, learned to live in the present and be grateful for life’s biggest gift: health, love and family. I loved loved loved loved loved loved loved loved loved loved this book.

𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌!

𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Simply amazing

This book was so refreshingly good. The character growth was incredible and the story was unique. This is definitely a must read.

This book took me through all the emotions

This was such a great story. The author developed such riveting characters. I fell in love with most of them. I laughed, cried, pondered life's purpose, and relived fond memories of some of Nashville's locations. I enjoyed Pen's journey and evolution.

I can't wait to see what she writes next.

My heart

I am absolutely wrecked. 10/10. Listen immediately. Best book I’ve listened to this year.

Good listen

Good narration and somewhat unique storyline that kept me interested. It’s a nice romance with likable characters and realistic issues.

Fun and Heartening Story

While having some twists and depth this is overall an easy fun listen and such a feel good (even if sad) story.

inspiratial

I've only written on other review and this book is my second book. it was strong on life lessons and hurt. So inspiring and honest. love,love it!!! thanks to the author