The Watershed Journal Literary Group, a grassroots nonprofit publishing effort in the western Pennsylvania Wilds, is proud to announce the publication of its second book. Last year’s Fields of His Heart, a book of poetry by Clarion poet Wayne Swanger, has made its mark on the regional literary scene. This year’s book furthers the publisher’s commitment to empowering the authentic voices of our region, this time through realistic fiction by a Pittsburgh author who was grew up in Oil City, PA. 

Hannah Allman Kennedy’s debut novel And It All Came Tumbling Down is set in rural northwestern Pennsylvania. A young woman, Amy Reilly, left her small town behind the moment she could break free, in search of a new life in Pittsburgh. No sooner had she settled into the life she always wanted when Amy is sent reeling by the tragic and unexpected death of her parents. As she reluctantly returns home, Amy finds no comfort in the familiar faces around town, especially the face of her twin sister. When her big city life disintegrates, Amy has nowhere to run and is forced to contend with the choices she has made, the people she has alienated, and a grief that all but consumes her. 

And It All Came Tumbling Down is a gripping read and authentic portrayal of the emotional crossroads so many young people from rural places face when opportunities carry them away, but their hometown has a way of calling them back.