Review: Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte

After calling off her fall wedding, horror novelist Amy Fox is left with a broken heart, a mega case of writer’s block, and a serious aversion to all things pumpkin spice. When she receives news that her grandfather has broken his wrist driving through a Dunkin Donuts—literally straight through the front windows—five hundred miles away, in her hometown of Autumnboro, New Hampshire, Amy has no choice but to return to check on him. If she doesn’t make sure that he’s back on his feet, Grandpa may be moved into assisted living, and Amy’s beloved childhood home will be put on the market.

Knowing she must return, Amy worries about the only thing worse than pumpkin spice—a reunion with Kit Parker—her childhood best friend, first love, and entire reason for skipping town in the first place. As the two reconnect, a second chance seems possible...if only Kit weren’t holding on to a secret that just might unravel everything.

Review: Oh this was such a cute story. I love a bit of small town romance an d I need a decent dose of it every now and again. This one had the added sweetness of those fall colours and that pumpkin spice scent. I also love a story about someone returning home. 

Amy is a great main character for this novel because she is heartbroken and so we start off by supporting her in that and also because she is a writer. When you read a book about someone who writes books it is always a fun ride. Amy hasn't always made the best choices but she is great at advocating for herself and I loved that about her. I also love the fact that family means so much to her. She has a great heart but isn't afraid to show her dominant side so we got along just fine. 

I also really loved the romance in this novel. The returning home and meeting up with a former love is definitely a trope I can get on board with and the romance in this book is just revved up by the fact that all of this is happening in a small town during fall with some Pumpkin Spice seasoning sprinkled on top. There is nothing raunchy or super sexy about this one and so it was a refreshing read because sometimes you just need more sweetness and less heat. I could see this one playing out as a hallmark movie and I was so happy about that. 

I did listen to this one on audio and the narration was really good but I did this as a buddy read and so I can vouch for the quality of the kindle book too. I really enjoyed this novel and it was the perfect fall version of a Christmas novel we all need right now. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US (still currently free on UK Kindle!)

Guest Review: Autumn At The Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn

As autumn starts to draw in and the nights are getting darker, the fire is lit at the Star and Sixpence and Nessie and Sam start to turn their thoughts to the annual bonfire night. The village comes together every year to celebrate the turning of the season and this year is going to be extra-special.

Review: This is the latest episode in a serialised ebook about the owners of the Star and Sixpence pub, and events in its location, the charming country village of Little  Monkham. 

It is now almost a year since Nessie and Sam were left the pub by their estranged father. They have become accepted in the village, even by the stern postmistress, and have renovated the pub, adding two guest bedrooms. It is becoming quite a popular venue due to its range of beers and it's comfortable beds. In this story, with it being Autumn, the girls are planning events themed to the season, including a Halloween party with fancy dress. You can almost feel the leaves turning colour and the temperature falling from the highs of summer. All is going along nicely, but things from the girls' past are increasingly catching up with them. Their love lives are progressing too, but along rocky paths. 

I am really enjoying this series of books. Everything is so well described by Holly. I really would love to visit the village and sit by the fire in the cosy bar with maybe a g&t. It is delightful to see things developing as the story unfolds and to learn more about the secrets in the past that were alluded to in earlier instalments. It is good, too, to get to know other inhabitants of the village as time goes on. I can't wait for the next instalment, Christmas at the Star and Sixpence - it's preordered already - and then the whole story is being published in ebook and paperback formats at the end of the year.