Andi is worried that her relationship with Drew has become dull and boring. They never do anything exciting these days, in or out of the bedroom. So when a swoon-worthy stranger appears she is instantly swept off her feet.
When they unexpectedly meet again, they realise they have more in common than they thought possible so draw up a pact to spice up their lives! The plan they conjure up while working together at The Pumpkin Patch, to make their partners jealous, brings them closer than ever.
Andi plucks up the courage to finish with Drew but there are no signs of Andrew doing the same and she thinks she’s lost him forever.
With meddling exes, misunderstandings and miscommunication getting in the way, can The Pumpkin Pact bring them back together?
I’m really drawn to cute Fall covers and this one has Fall vibes on the cover and throughout the book. A nice curl up with a blanket and warm drink kind of book. An unexpected meet cute has Andi and Andrew meeting because of her adorable Husky, Pumpkin. Despite the insta attraction on both of their parts they both have partners though neither is happy in their current relationships.
Who could resist a pumpkin patch in all its Fall glory it’s really such a lovely descriptive Fall book. A spicy Autumn romance that though I enjoyed our main characters my favorite character is Pumpkin the dog, she really stole the show with her mischievous and delightful antics.
I enjoyed seeing the resilience Andi has as she sticks up for herself despite all she’s going through, and the encouragement Andrew gives her. Will a few misunderstandings derail this holiday romance, or will Andrew be just the whipped cream Andi needs on her pumpkin spiced drink? Lovely little romance I’ll be on the lookout for more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.
Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.
Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.
Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?
Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.
Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?
A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.
For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.
Praise for the Christmas Spirit series:
‘Christmas all wrapped up!’ ‘Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!’ ‘A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!’ ‘You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.’
This is a new to me author which in my opinion is so fun to try especially when it’s a Christmas book. I felt happy and content while reading the book. It really has a lot of Christmas spirit within its pages. The characters kept me reading and the welcoming Sugar and Spice Cafe is sure to have you wanting to stop in. A lot of the story takes place in the cafe. The cafe is such an important part of the story as friendships and romance are formed and strengthened there. Charming small-town Christmas romance that has me wanting to read the rest in the series now.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedies, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship, community – also Christmas!
Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit, A Little Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn, The Leap Year Proposal and You Can’t Hurry Love
As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.
She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador.
When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.
Giveaway to Win a signed and dedicated paperback of A Taste of Christmas Spirit (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
384 pages Publisher Harper Collins Publication date March 18, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
🍓🍓🍓🍓
Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
As a world-renowned chef, single dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.
Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when it’s suggested that Archer is looking for a live-in nanny, she almost runs in the opposite direction.
Now, Iris finds herself in a whole new world. One where her gorgeous new boss lives right across the hall and likes to cook topless… Keeping everything strictly professional should be easy, right?
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a cozy romantic mystery with a single dad and found family dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes
Found Family
Single Dad
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn
MY THOUGHTS
So, when I read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, I absolutely loved it, and I was really hoping it wouldn’t be a stand-alone and thank goodness it wasn’t. Now I have several others to read still in the series because other books reading obligations got in the way.
Now I need to read the others very soon because who wouldn’t want to continue with this amazing series. I must say the covers are beyond cute and have really drawn me to them. In this one, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House we have a man, a professional chef more comfortable whipping up a fabulous new recipe than dealing with children.
Well, that’s about to change when Archer is informed, he has a five-year-old daughter he’s known nothing about, and the mother has passed away. That’s all about to change when the best course of action is the little girl moving in with him.
Fatherhood leaves him in a frenzy, and he must hire a nanny for help, and their meeting is so disastrous that it’s hilarious. When that’s ironed out, we have grumpy meeting sunshine kind of book.
She’s never taken care of a child before becoming his child’s nanny and has some self-doubts about handling things right but as we all know children don’t come with instruction booklets.
Having children in a romance book can make or break the book but I loved the little girl here, Olive. Such a smart girl and a fun personality. The characters are realistic as is the setting.
The Dream Harbor series is really great, and I love all the characters I’ve met so far. Characters that are down to earth and you just feel like you could meet up for a cup of coffee and have a great friendly chat. Can’t wait to get started on more books in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the author
Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
Hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
283 pages Sep 21 2022 publication date Boldwood Books
ABOUT THE BOOK
Cassie Lewis, a widow for over 20 years has begun to realise there must be more to life.
In-between working at the family boatyard in picture perfect Dartmouth and raising two children, she wonders where the years have gone.
Both her children, Tom and Polly, have inherited their father’s love of sailing and currently Tom is preparing for a gruelling round the world race. When an accident forces Tom to pull out, Polly, to Cassie’s horror, insists she is capable of taking his place.
As Polly prepares for the race, Cassie unexpectedly finds herself with two keen and eligible men vying for her love.
With her BIG 5-0 birthday approaching Cassie knows she has some big decisions to make but will the worry over Polly’s safe return, cloud her judgement?
sail boat racing
MY THOUGHTS
It’s been over 20 years since her husband passed away. Cassie is running a boatyard and keeping up with her two children have given her plenty to do but she’s had a reawakening and feels like it’s time to start devoting some time to herself now that her fiftieth birthday is right around the corner.
Both of her children have inherited their father’s love of sailing and Tom is about to do one last sailing race around the world before retiring from sailing and welcoming his first child.
Before that can happen, a freak accident sidelines him and he’s unable to compete. Polly, his sister insists on taking over the racing though she’s less experienced.
We see some highs and lows in the story that can be a bit emotional at times. Fun relaxation read. I love how the author turns ordinary characters into ones you’d enjoy spending time with as they sound so relatable.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-two novels, including ‘A French Inheritance’,’Secrets Beneath A Riviera Sky’,’A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before.
352 pages Bethany House Publishers Publication date January 21, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
In a world on the brink of war, two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty.
Inga Klein’s carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America’s ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.
As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict’s determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience may be Inga’s only hope of escape from the impending war.
MY THOUGHTS
One thing I love about the author’s books are the historical details given in each book, the more the better. I can so easily visualize what is happening in each of her books and it makes the stories come alive for me. From all over New York to Germany there is a lot of adventure to be had for our main characters. Oh, so many adventures some delightful some taken warily as WWI is about to happen. Twists and turns happening that had me even thinking about the book while not reading it. The most unlikely couple you could think of, an opposites attract team really, hit it off though we wouldn’t think it so at first. A high energy keep my attention book which I really loved!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
302 pages One More Chapter Publisher Publication date August 22, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
🍁🍁🍁🍁
One determined party planner + one grumpy pumpkin farmer = a fall to remember…
Given the chance to plan her bestie’s 30th birthday bash, Wren Southwick is determined to create an experience so big and so bold that the name of her party planning business spreads beyond the confines of her own small town.
The key to her plan? The Finch family’s Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. It’s not just the perfect venue but also the perfect supply partner for the autumnal-themed bash Wren envisions. But to get what she wants – and needs – she’ll have to get gorgeous grouch August Finch on board.
The table is set, and the battle is about to begin … but who will fall first?
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MY THOUGHTS
I was really drawn in by the cute cover and the idea of a pumpkin farm. If you’re ready for a fall read giving you all the fall vibes, you want then this is it. Did I mention it includes plenty of coffee too? Can’t go wrong there.
An energetic party planner and a pumpkin farmer, doesn’t sound like it’ll work but this couple has a little Fall magic on their side. Loved the setting of the pumpkin patch and could easily picture the whole field covered with pumpkins of every shape and size.
The author wants to be inclusive as our MMC is autistic and she covers it well. There are other things dealt with, and the author does a good job of it. Nice fall read to relax with while drinking a favorite Fall drink cuddled up with your cat.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Author of the Mr and Mrs series! (Book I out on KU and Amazon now!)
Romance and Fantasy author with a desperate need for books with pining men 😉
Thank you for stopping in. Smile, it’s a great day!
314 pages Apr 08 2022 publication date Bookouture Books
ABOUT THE BOOK
Welcome to the café on Marigold Marina, where the smell of freshly baked cakes fills the air, the boats bob merrily in the mellow evening sun. But will an unexpected meeting mean the chance to love again or a broken heart?
When Rosie inherits the café on Marigold Marina after her husband’s tragic death, she is determined to pour her heart into his dream. Nine months later, as she serves coffee and cakes to customers, she is all smiles and laughter. But when the sunshine-yellow doors of the café are closed, she allows her heart to break all over again.
Rosie doesn’t have much room in her life for anything but the café. But when Kit, the mysterious owner of a bookshop barge, starts to come by regularly for lunch, she finds it difficult to ignore his dark eyes, dishevelled curls and the fact that he has his own sorrows. Rosie finds it easy to talk to Kit and as they swim together in the sparkling marina waters she hopes she can help Kit the way he has helped her.
But just as she is letting herself open her heart, she learns the shocking secret that the husband she loved for so many years kept hidden from her. And when she discovers that Kit is hiding things too, she fears she has been foolish to trust again. Should she close her café and move away from the marina? Or should she take a risk and give love another chance?
MY THOUGHTS
When I want a great evening of reading and relaxation this is an author, I’ll visit time and again. The café on Marigold Marina was Rosie’s husbands dream but that dream didn’t die when he did. Honoring his memory, she kept it running even though things had been let go and it needed a lot of work. This work helps her to not concentrate on her sadness, and she’s surrounded by friends.
As the cafe becomes busier she needs extra help and the woman she hires is the sister of the man who has just opened a floating bookshop. When Kit, the owner of the bookshop starts coming by for a daily lunch she starts taking an interest in him and his sister is ever so helpful in bringing them together.
When she finds out a shocking truth her husband had kept from her she starts to reevaluate everything including if she wants to keep running the cafe or if it’s time to let her husband’s dream go.
Such a fun pick me up read. For sure I’ll be reading more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop assistant, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing. She wrote a novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and hasn’t stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor.
Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was her debut novel; published in 2014 it was an Amazon bestseller in both the UK and Australia. In 2016 she signed to the hugely successful Bookouture and is currently working on her thirtieth Tilly Tennant novel. Christmas bestseller A Very Vintage Christmas was recently made into a movie for Lifetime Channel and she has had many of her books translated for readers all over Europe.
Tilly also writes young adult fiction as Sharon Sant. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with the latest news or find the link to join her mailing list in the back of all her books.
Have a most delightful weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
304 pages Publication date September 28, 2021 Kensington publisher
ABOUT THE BOOK
There’s nothing like autumn in picturesque Goosebush, Massachusetts, but beneath the season’s sun-dappled foliage, Lilly Jayne and her Garden Squad must investigate a shadowy murder mystery after a theater owner’s sudden death sows as much drama behind the scenes as on any stage…
Lilly Jayne typically spends the harvest season baking festive pies and crafting colorful wreaths to enter in the library’s annual fundraising contest. But this year, autumn opens on a somber note when beloved local theater owner, Leon Tompkin, dies unexpectedly. His memorial sets the scene for a mini reunion of The Goosebush Players’ best and brightest alumni, including Hollywood star, Jeremy Nolan…until someone plucks Jeremy from the spotlight, permanently.
Now, as dedicated theater volunteer, Scooter McGee, falls under suspicion, Lilly and her Garden Squad must spring into action. They quickly discover a cornucopia of potential suspects in Jeremy’s murder. Was it an embittered ex…or a jilted lover? A rival thespian…or an overly ambitious artist? Lilly rakes through the piles of clues, but if she doesn’t uncover the real killer soon, more than autumn leaves will be dropping in Goosebush…
MY THOUGHTS
Wreathing Havoc is the fourth book in the A Garden Squad mystery series and takes place in Goosebush, Massachusetts. Having visited Mass multiple times, I enjoy reading books taking place there.
The pacing was great, and I didn’t guess who did it before it was revealed. It is autumn and Goosebush goes all out decorating, especially the garden club.
Harvest season celebration is in full swing, but all is not festive this holiday season as Leon Tompkin, local benefactor has died under suspicious circumstances. Many people are at the funeral, and a returning star is seen in a suspicious light.
The characters worked well together to solve the crime. Fall themed books are so much fun to read and I’ll be continuing this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Julia Henry is thrilled to be writing the Garden Squad series for Kensington. The Garden Squad are four friends–Lilly, Delia, Tamara, Ernie–who are clandestine gardeners in their town of Goosebush, MA, solving gardening problems that the red tape of the town is tying up. They also solve mysteries that pop up.
She also writes the Theater Cop series as J.A. Hennrikus, and the Clock Shop series as Julianne Holmes. http://www.JHAuthors.com @JHAuthors
I hope you’re having a lovely day. Thank you for stopping in.
Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!
Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…
But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?
As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!
Such a charming holiday read. I’ve read other books by the author and I always look forward to her books. Now add in a Christmas story and it makes it even more delightful. I was so delighted to see returning characters we met in the previous book. I loved the setting with its small town charm, markets and festive decorations.
The book is very relatable, Christmas on a very tight budget can be very stressful. Loved the two main characters, Thea and Nick. Each has a great personality. She’s a great mom and wants the best for them, he’s a gentle and caring guy. Will he get a chance to act on his long secret feelings for Thea?
Christmas magic sprinkled throughout in this hard to put down read. Lovely book to get lost in for an afternoon.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Author Bio –
Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby and Willowbury series of novels. She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.
Lottie Potts is happy enough – or so she thinks. Her life is slowly ticking away as she spends her days watching old films and daydreaming about another, better, version of herself.
But Lottie isn’t one for change. That is until a blonde bombshell blows into town and knocks her husband Daniel completely off his feet.
Lottie is forced to take a long hard look at herself. She is fat, in her forties and thoroughly fed up. Does she fight for her husband and the safe predictable life she knows? Or is revenge, like her favourite ice cream, a dish best served cold?
With her trusty circle of girlfriends and a surprising return from a charming face from her past, Lottie embarks on a transformative journey. Buckle up for the rollercoaster ride of laughter and tears as Lottie navigates the twists and turns of her reinvention, discovering the genuine essence of life along the way.
A portion of proceeds from all sales will be donated to Epilepsy Society and Great Ormond Street children’s hospital.
MY THOUGHTS
I haven’t laughed out loud or cheered for a main character like I have with Lottie Potts in a long time.
Lottie Potts is middle aged has a teenaged son and a husband who the spark has long ago left. She watches old movies and dreams of her younger fashionable days. There isn’t a problem that comes along that can’t be solved with a sweet of some sort and watching an old movie. Getting invited out with her girlfriends gives her a bit of a wakeup call. Charming, witty read. Just my type of book!
With her self-confidence at an all-time low she vows to change things going forward. I loved Lottie’s character, she’s funny, honest with herself and realistic and she has will power. When she says she’s going to change something you better believe she is.
With plenty of support from her female friends Lottie is on her way to becoming the person she was meant to be all along. Lottie is strong and an endearing character. We all need an encourager like Lottie in our lives, and I look forward to reading more about this wonderful group of women. Loved this book!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
K. L. Crear is a teenager trapped in the body of a much older woman (she’s still in denial). After decades spent in the grey-suited world of banking, the Civil Service, and property management, she somehow found herself bankrupt, baffled, but never bitter.
Armed with an often inappropriate sense of humour and a well-timed expletive, she has survived two rounds with the Big C, countless sticky situations, and every *Real Housewives* franchise (purely for research, of course).
After years of procrastination—and a gentle shove from Father Time—she finally swapped a pint of pinot for a pen. She now writes laugh-out-loud women’s fiction, with a couple of memoirs under her belt too.
She dreams of owning a permanently cheerful axolotl but recently declined the chance to hug a sloth (because clinging to a tree while peeing on yourself is not aspirational).
A proud Yorkshire lass now living in a quiet corner of the Northeast, she shares her home with her endlessly patient, slightly deaf husband and their rescue cat, Pickle—who has a resting bitch face to rival any Real Housewife.
K. L. Crear donates a portion of book sales to charities close to her heart, including Women’s Aid, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Epilepsy Society, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Giveaway to Win a set of signed paperbacks of the “Teapots & Tequila Shots” series (Open to UK only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
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