NA Alumna Launches Debut Novel

Leslie Welch’s debut novel, The Goodbyes, hit bookshelves July 12th. A 1993 graduate of North Allegheny, Welch (formerly Leslie Mason) grew up in the North Hills before attending Penn State University where she studied Fiction Writing and Communications.

“I got the idea for this book while I was driving from D.C. to Pittsburgh,” says Welch. “I was daydreaming about other reasons I might be making the drive and this story was born. I almost had to pull over in Somerset to start writing!”

About the Book

Set in a small town outside of State College, The Goodbyes tells the story of Webb Turner—a shy and talented musician whose young life is turned upside down by the exciting, magnetic, and wild girl next door, Bree. They keep each other at arm's length their whole lives, however, dancing around the issue of their unresolved feelings while Bree's life steadily spirals out of control.

In the meantime, Webb's life is on a different trajectory. He escapes his small town to become a globetrotting rock music sensation. He directs his passion and heartache for Bree into his lyrics. With a new romantic interest on his mind and the past left in the rear-view mirror, Webb seems to be on the path to happiness—until he hears that Bree might not live through the night.

He drops everything, including the tour that he’s currently on, to embark on a dangerous drive through a blizzard for one last chance to say goodbye.

“Since I’m a Pittsburgh girl at heart, there are a lot of references to my hometown in the book,” says Welch. “For example, Webb’s last name was inspired by my favorite iced tea.”

Both heartbreaking and hopeful, The Goodbyes is an emotional story of growth, letting go, and love. Pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Welch will host a book signing at Cranberry Barnes & Noble on September 17 from 12 - 4 p.m.

What Readers are Saying

A Novel with Depth & Heart!

“The Goodbyes is a fast paced, uniquely written book that captured my interest from the very first page. It takes the reader on an emotional journey through the adolescent and early adult years of Webb Turner, a young man who is captivated by his new neighbor and who uses her as a muse to inspire his music and lyrics. His hope is that one day he will leave his sleepy little hometown, find fame, and maybe even be with the woman he loves.

I can best describe this book as an emotional story of growth, self-discovery, and love. It was both heartbreaking and hopeful. The Goodbyes is a fantastic debut novel by an author who I am looking forward to reading more from in the future.”

- Shelley, 2 Book Lovers Reviews (4.5 stars)

Must Read for All!

“The Goodbyes by Leslie Welch is phenomenal. The emotional roller-coaster is brilliant. I cried, laughed, and rooted for the characters. Many issues are brought into this exciting read. A tale about love, mistakes, and music.

Leslie Welch’s writing is superb. I could feel and see everything as it happened. The plot was fast-paced and thrilling. I absolutely loved reading this story and following the characters. Overall, I highly recommend this rock star romance to all.”

- Urban Book Reviews (5 stars)

A Beautifully Written Debut Novel

“Sometimes, the past is just as important as the present, as it is because of the past that you have reached your present. This is true for the people around you, as well. In this case, for Webb, Bree and Charlotte.

The pacing of this was perfect, the juxtaposition of the chapters in the present and the past were aligned in a way that they not only opened up who Webb was to the reader, but also moved the story forward into who he is now. The characters and the dialog were real, emotional, and heartfelt.

Quite an impressive debut novel and I recommend it.”

- Sweet and Sassy Book Reviews (5 stars)

More About Leslie

Website: www.lesliewelch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesli...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book...

Buy The Goodbyes
Copies available for purchase at Barnes & Noble in Cranberry or online.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye...
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/...