Pumpkin Everything
by Beth Labonte
Summary
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.
My Review
This book is a charming, cozy, and heartfelt autumn read that wraps you in a warm blanket of small-town nostalgia and seasonal vibes. At under six hours as an audiobook, which I really enjoyed the narrator, it’s a short, breezy story that’s easy to dive into and perfect for a cozy fall weekend.
The book beautifully captures the essence of autumn with subtle, vivid descriptions—crisp air, crunching leaves, and a vivid sense of the season that immerses you without overwhelming. The small-town setting radiates cozy vibes, complete with a pumpkin country store, an apple-themed diner, autumn hiking, scarecrow making, and a charming bed and breakfast. A touch of Halloween festivities at the end adds a delightful seasonal flourish. These elements, paired with pop culture references (loved the 80s and 90s nods), make the story feel both current and nostalgic.
Amy, the protagonist, is wonderfully relatable. Her reluctance to return home after years away, followed by a wave of nostalgia for her childhood and past, strikes a universal chord. The story’s Hallmark-style tropes—car breakdowns, the guy who got away, and a return to roots—are familiar but executed with warmth and authenticity. The romance between Amy and Kit is sweet, though I wished for more depth to their growing connection. The side characters shine, and their interactions with Amy bring the small town to life, making you reflect on loved ones and how easily we drift from them in our busy lives.
With no language or spice, just tender, sweet kissing, this book is wholesome and approachable. The happy ending is satisfying, leaving you with a warm glow and eagerness to pick up the companion book. The only reason it falls short of five stars is its brevity. I craved more time to explore the characters, deepen the romance, and savor additional town interactions and seasonal festivities.
The movie adaptation is equally delightful. Unlike some Hallmark films that lean too cheesy or suffer from subpar acting, this one was genuinely well done and full of seasonal charm. It nails the autumnal aesthetic with vibrant fall foliage, cozy decorations, and tender character moments. It’s a perfect companion to the book, amplifying the seasonal mood and heartfelt connections.
If you are looking for a clean, wholesome fall romance filled with small-town coziness and autumn vibes, I highly recommend both the book and the movie.
**This book is part of a real-time reaction episode, which you can listen to here.