★ “Funny, thoughtful, compassionate Jo is a delightful narrator. Frank portrayals of swearing, sexual activity, underage drinking, etc., neither titillate nor condemn; they just depict teens being authentic teens. A sweet, sexy, honest teen romance that just happens to involve two girls—all the more charming for being so very ordinary.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ “Funny, thoughtful, compassionate Jo is a delightful narrator. The frank portrayals of swearing, sexual activity, underage drinking, etc., neither titillate nor condemn; they just depict teens being authentic teens. While Jo and Mary Carlson are white, the rest of their friends display considerable diversity—in not just race and sexual orientation, but also religion, social class, developmental ability, family structure, and personal attitudes—portrayed with nuance through each character’s words and actions. A sweet, sexy, honest teen romance that just happens to involve two girls—all the more charming for being so very ordinary.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ “Brown orchestrates a fast-paced narrative that is powerful, moving, and relatable. This work will resonate with those who enjoy a female protagonist who is bold, brave, candid, and thoughtful. The language is realistic, and the author accurately captures queer and Southern cultures. Brown expertly describes the complex nuances of faith and sexuality. This plot-driven story is humorous, and the characters are effortlessly likable. Teens who root for underdogs will be pulling for this dream team of characters. For fans of David Levithan and John Green’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson; this title is a worthwhile purchase for all YA collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“Brown crafts a charming and unexpected hit. Readers will appreciate the compelling characters, the humor, and the romance of the novel. Anyone who enjoys the writing of John Green or Rainbow Rowell will find a sense of familiarity in Brown’s writing, and will be left longing for more.” - Teenreads.com
“This story is fun and funny with characters to root for (and against). But it’s more than just fun; it’s full of heart. I hope this book finds it way into the hands of anyone, teens especially, who wonder how they can bridge the gap between faith and sexuality.” - Afterellen.com
“Brown makes a small town in North Carolina—where everyone knows everyone, and the outside world comes in via Appalachian Trail hikers—feel real, but the heart of the story is Amber, as she tries to find herself, love, and her voice.” - Publishers Weekly
“The writing shines when Amber describes the feelings that singing awakens in her. One could wish for an accompanying soundtrack.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
★ “A fast-paced narrative that is powerful, moving, and relatable. Brown expertly describes the complex nuances of faith and sexuality. This plot-driven story is humorous, and the characters are effortlessly likable. For fans of David Levithan and John Green’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“This book was adorable, funny and touching....it was a great read about a lesbian that struggles not only with her Christian faith, and how it affects her homosexuality, but also with the pains of growing up, finding true love and staying true to yourself. Will be highly recommending!” - Teresa Steele, Old Firehouse Books (Fort Collins, CO)
“Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit got me in all the ways you want a good book to do—it juggles the various issues but the book never feels preachy or simplified or like it’s ticking off “issue” boxes. And it manages Jo’s struggle all so well-thoughtfully, but also honestly. A romance never works for me unless you love the characters and love the relationship they might share, and I loved it all.”- - Justin Colussy-Estes, Little Shop of Stories (Decatur, GA)
★“Faith matters in this book, but so do family, friends, and being funny. The dialogue is snappy—Joanna is sharp tongued and sometimes bratty—and the characters aren’t types. Rather, they’re individuals navigating a complicated world, which makes for a rich and satisfying read.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
PRAISE FOR NO PLACE TO FALL: “I was completely smitten.” - Robin Constantine, author of The Promise of Amazing
“Hits a chord with the dreamer in all of us.” - Megan Shepherd, author of The Madman’s Daughter
“Debut author Brown is off to a wonderful start with authentic characters who speak in true voices. Amber could be the best friend you had in high school—she’s absolutely the real deal, and readers will clamor for another well-paced story featuring her and her friends.” - School Library Journal
“Southern charm oozes off the page.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Lyrically written with a deep sense of place and music, Brown’s story allows the heroine to stumble, falter, and suffer consequences without forcing a tidy, happy ending. There is so much joy within the pages that the sorrow hits hard and emotions rise and fall and rise again like a vocalist running scales.” - ALA Booklist
“Lyrically written with a deep sense of place and music. There is so much joy within the pages that the sorrow hits hard and emotions rise and fall and rise again like a vocalist running scales.” - ALA Booklist