The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn
by Valerie Bowman
Honeycrisp Orchard Romance - Book 1
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Reviewed by PJ
Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.
Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.
PJ's Thoughts:
Are you ready to turn the page to autumn? In the mood for crisper days, leaves changing color, hot cider, caramel apples, and small-town festivals? If so, do I have a book for you!
Valerie Bowman's The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a feel-good, reunion romance brimming over with cozy fall vibes. Think Hallmark movie with spice. There's the city girl who couldn't get away from her small town fast enough, now returned home but not planning to stay, the boy next door who never wanted to leave and also never owned up to the crush he's been nurturing since they were kids, and the simmering attraction between them threatening to burst into flame. Think forced proximity, sparkling banter, awakening attraction, a bit of steam, and a deep, enduring, emotional payoff.
Bowman surrounds the main couple with a terrific cast of supporting characters, building a community of citizens who offer up humor, teasing, and the unsolicited advice that comes from people who have known you your whole life. We also meet friends and family members who not only contribute to the progression of this story but also set up future books in the series with intriguing pairings and characters I can't wait to learn more about.
And then there are the four-legged characters. How could I possibly resist Argos, Aiden's donut stealing Lab, Miss Guin, Ellie's parents' overly enthusiastic goat, or Pumpkin, her family's laid-back, orange pajama wearing Pug? All three pretty much steal every scene they're in.
If you're looking for a warm hug of a book to take you from summer into fall with humor, heart, and happy endings, pick up a copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman. I highly recommend it.
What are your favorite things about autumn?
Are you an all things apple person (like I am) or do you have other seasonal foods that make your taste buds dance?
Have you read any books by Valerie Bowman yet?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 11 will receive a print copy of The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I love the cooler weather, leaves changing colors on the trees and going to an apple orchard to pick apples. Thanks for your great generosity. Linda May
ReplyDeleteI miss the freshly picked apples and hot apple cider from the orchards of my childhood. Thanks for stopping by, Linda May!
DeleteLove the cooler weather. An apple girl. Thanks for the chance
ReplyDeleteI love apples too.
DeleteI love the cooler weather and leaves changing. I'm an apple girl. Jennifer Kayes.
ReplyDeleteChanging leaves is one of the things I miss now living in the south.
DeleteI love the change of seasons. Like PJ, I miss that too after relocating six years ago to Florida from New York. The cooler temps, the change of colors of the leaves, the change in clothing colors and textures - not quite the same in the South. I miss fall festivals with apple cider and cider donuts.
ReplyDeleteI love fall, apples everything and pumpkin spice everything, the color of leaves, cooler weather. Yes I have read her books before, very good Author. My favoeite book by her is Never Trust a Pirate!
ReplyDeleteFall is beautiful and my favorite season. The bright colors of the leaves, the brisk morning walks in the cooler, clear air and the many visits to the apple orchards which is my ultimate favorite activity. Apple picking and the beauty that surrounds me, the orchards, and the enjoyment of being outside. I make applesauce and baked apples all fall or family and friends. Apples are a staple in the fall especially Macintosh.
ReplyDeleteFall is my favorite season. I love the changing foliage, crisp weather and pumpkin and apple flavored foods. I've read a few of Valerie's historical novels and can't wait to read this new book my her!
ReplyDelete