Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge. I absolutely loved this movie on Hallmark & really enjoyed the book. I will not give any spoilers but I absolutely recommend reading it. Very good romance book.

Great book. Great Movie. Really enjoyed reading the book that matches the movie perfectly. Hallmark movies are fun to watch and reading the books bring back good memories of watching. Good romance with a happily ever after.

**I received an advanced galley of this book in exchange for an honest review**
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Hallmark Publishing's October Kiss is based on a Hallmark movie of the same name, and for fans of Hallmark, this book doesn't disappoint. The book follows the love story of Poppy, newly-minted nanny, and Ryan, a harried businessman. Poppy has trouble committing to things and has tried lots of different jobs, and more than her share of blind dates. Her sister recommends her as a nanny to widower Ryan, who's preparing for a big presentation. After a disastrous first day with the kids, Poppy wants to quit, but tells Ryan she'll stay through Halloween, her favorite holiday. Poppy manages to win over the kids with fun Halloween activities, and attracts Ryan in the process. She's attracted too, but can either of them commit to something that lasts?

The story follows Hallmark's expected formula, but for those who love those holiday movies, this is a great read. The characters and situations are believable and the fact that Ryan's an app developer is an interesting twist. I enjoyed Poppy's energy, but did tire a bit from Ryan's inattention to his kids. Her sister Megan is a well-drawn character and adds depth to Poppy. I loved the setting and the atmosphere, which is as magically exciting as you'd hope for in a holiday book. The ending is satisfying and heartwarming; just what I look for from this type of book.

I would recommend this for any Hallmark holiday movie fan, but others may find the plot predictable. But that's part of the fun of a Hallmark book; it's like eating candy corn: a tasty treat for those who love it, but dissatisfying for those who aren't fans.

I watched the film of this a while ago and really liked it, the book gives the same cost feelings but with additional character motivation and scenes.

I must admit that October Kiss began slowly for me. The short, rather stilted style of writing did not appeal, but then the personalities of the characters took over. Poppy's enthusiasm for life is contagious. Her character and Zoe are the ones that made this book sizzle with fun, compassion, and real human emotion.

This is the perfect Fall book! Poppy the main character can never seem to commit, to a job or a boyfriend. All that changes when she lands a job. Poppy finds her true passion and love at the same time. This book will make you want to break out the sweaters and Halloween decorations!

Super cute story ! Fun characters that keep the book interesting , and not wanting to put it down.

Soon to be a Hallmark movie this feel good and delightful read was so enjoyable. Easy to read and completed in two sittings it was fun, heart-warming and totally engrossing. I enjoyed reading about how a young woman finally finds her "accomplishment and success" for herself and the lives of people she affects in the process. Thank you for the opportunity to have read this book prior to publication--it is a definite winner!

It’s easy to see why Hallmark movies are so very popular to women who long for romance in their lives, and those who already have it but love to celebrate it. Finding that special someone gives even the simplest thing so much more pleasurable to experience when you’re with someone who truly understands you, faults and all. Poppy is somewhat of a misfit. She can’t seem to find her place in the world until she becomes a nanny for Ryan’s daughter Zoe and his son Zach. Through trial and error, and even some tears, these four lonely people come together during Autumn and make the days leading up to Halloween the most wonderful time of the year. This story is entertaining, engaging and a perfect way to celebrate my favorite season of the year. And on a side note, the colorful pumpkin illustrations throughout the text made me wish it was October instead of the dog days of Summer. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this voluntary review are completely my own.

This story is a classic Hallmark story. A sweet, clean love story with a happy ending. Nothing too deep, just a happy, feel good story. Books like these are wonderful to read.

Poppy can't seem to find anything to commit to. She can't commit to a job, can't find a relationship worth committing to... She lives with her sister and helps take care of her sister's kids while her sister's husband is deployed. Poppy's sister keeps setting her up on dates but the guys typically wind up being losers. One day, her sister tells her of a man in the neighborhood who needs a nanny for his 2 kids. He's a widower and in the middle of a big project at his company. Poppy takes the job with good intentions but after a rough day with the kids, she thinks maybe she isn't cut out for being a nanny either. Ryan, the dad, talks her into staying until Halloween, when his project will be done.

Poppy loves kids and loves fall and Halloween. She builds a relationship with the kids and sees how they long for their father's attention. Poppy tries to get their father to spend more time with them but Ryan keeps breaking his promises to them. Thankfully Poppy is there to pick up the pieces. Ryan misses his wife and the partnership they had. Having Poppy around brings back a lot of memories and Ryan starts to have feelings for Poppy, which are mutual. But somehow he winds up going out on dates with a woman he hired to consult for his company. That irritated me. I know it's just a story but if the guy is too busy for his kids how does he justify going out on dates?

Will Ryan fall for this woman or will he realize his mistake before it's too late? Can Poppy handle watching the man she is falling for date someone else? Will Ryan be able to salvage his relationship with his kids before they can't forgive him?

This is a great story with a HEA.

Wow. I have to tell you...I really liked the movie that this was taken from. What I really like about these Hallmark books is that, despite already seeing the movies, gives more insight to the characters that we don't see on the screen.

Poppy has commitment issues. She can't commit to a job, a guy, anything. That's why she's got a new business card with the title "Temporary Yours." That is, until, she meets a handsome workaholic in the lookout for a nanny for his two unruly kids.

Just one more deal. After that, Ryan is convinced he can spend all the time in the world for his kids. that is, until Poppy shows up and turns his life completely upside down.

This book is appropriate for all ages and makes sure to check out the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "October Kiss."

I know they say to never judge a book by it's cover, but feel free to judge this one by it's cover because October Kiss is just as good as the cover is gorgeous. This was the perfect book for fall! It made me ready for caramel apples, pumpkin patches, and to see the leaves changing colors. It was a sweet, funny, and enchanting story. I finished reading this book after only a few hours because I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend that you pick this book up!

October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge
Source: NetGalley
My Rating: 3½/5 stars

Here I am with, yet another book based on a Hallmark movie! While I was completely smitten with the first two book I read, I wasn’t quite as in love with this one, but still enjoyed the read. Here’s the skinny:

Poppy is what one might call a free-spirit! She’s not particularly good at any one thing, she hasn’t ever found a calling, and she’s not getting any younger. Even Poppy realizes it’s time for her to find a “real” job, a career she can not only enjoy for the long-term, but commit to for the long-term. Yeah, Poppy may also have some commitment issues which have thus far hindered the achievement of her life goals.

On the other hand, there’s Ryan, an admitted workaholic who is only trying to secure his children’s future in the wake of their mother’s death. Though his business is a success, his current project would overwhelmingly secure the future for himself and his children. Trouble is, that security comes at a cost and the cost is all the time he must give to work and take from his kids. Oh, Ryan’s kids, Zach and Zoe know their dad loves them, but they would be so much happier if he were able to spend more time with them. Instead, the kids have been saddled with one nanny after another, and Poppy is just the latest in a long line of quitters who can’t handle two spirited youngsters.

To say Poppy’s first day with Zach and Zoe went badly would be something of any understatement. Though her initial inclination is to quit, Poppy soon realizes Zach and Zoe need her as much as she needs them. With a new-found determination and little begging from Ryan, Poppy sets out to make her temporary assignment the best it can possibly be . . . for the kids, of course. Once Poppy dives in and commits to her plan, she sees wonderful changes in the kids. What’s more, with just a bit of conversation and some light cajoling, Poppy also helps Ryan to see exactly what it is he has been missing. In just a hot minute, Poppy, Ryan, and the kids begin to see what life could be like if they were a proper family.

The Bottom Line: While I have generally fallen stupidly in love with this series of books, I found this one just a bit harder to love. I think my biggest issue with this read is the super high-speed nature of Poppy and Ryan’s relationship. Because of the plot and how it plays out, this isn’t an insta-love situation, but a relationship that develops. For me, it just went a bit too fast which made it far too unrealistic for me. With that being said, there were parts of this book I truly liked including, Zach and Zoe, Ryan’s reactions and responses to his kids, and the epilogue. I am true believer in not giving up when there’s a bookish speed bump, so I am very much looking forward to my next Hallmark read.

Since Fall is my favorite season, I can see falling in love with this book as a Hallmark movie. As a book, however, I struggled to get into it until halfway through. Poppy drove me crazy until about a week into her nanny job. Then I fell in love with her character and how she interacted with the kids. The Epilogue was my favorite because it brought everything full circle. Although predictable, it was a enjoyable, easy read.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review

Poppy Summerall is a young woman with an enthusiastic outlook on life who is having a hard time figuring out where she fits in the "adult" world. She's tried working in a dental office, a pizza parlor, and as a yoga instructor but hasn't been able to fully commit to any of them. As she tells her sister, Megan, "I may not know what I want, but I know what I don't want."

Widower Ryan Larson knows exactly what he wants. He wants a Japanese conglomerate to buy his app technology, so he can secure the future for his family. Nothing can distract him from his goal - not even his children, Zoe and Zach. Ryan desperately needs a nanny as he is working long hours, and the children have already chased away several. Megan knows about Ryan's situation and believes Poppy is the right person for the job. After all, she relates to and handles her nephews with ease.

"Maybe all she needed was some time with children to turn her into a full-fledged adult."

Poppy is young at heart and connects with Zoe and Zach through the fun of Halloween. She brings life, love, and laughter back to their home and helps Ryan reconnect with his children. Poppy and Ryan realize they both want the same thing - family and each other.

October Kiss is a sweet little gem of a book that was enjoyable and heartwarming. Kristen Ethridge's writing paints vivid images of fall in the Northwest and the joys of the holiday season. I would definitely recommend it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October Kiss can be purchased at the following link or your local bookstore : https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/october-kiss-kristen-ethridge/1129220021?type=eBook

READER BEWARE: If you are waiting eagerly for fall to start and to be done with the incessant rain and are ready for apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, this book is for you. You will want a blanket, a fire, some apple spice cake and a family recipe of pumpkin soup that you can find at the end of this book.

This book is based upon the 2015 movie called October Kiss (that I did not see, but will be stalking the Hallmark Channel now for) that aired on the Hallmark Channel. The main character, Poppy was played by Ashley Williams (who most recently made an appearance in James Patterson's series Instinct) and Ryan was played by Sam Jaeger (who most recently appeared in Reverie). We begin the book with Poppy, being the stereotypical Millennial, experiencing difficulties with the things like adulting, paying bills on time and everyday grown up things. As Poppy is teaching yoga, she forgets the name of one of the most common poses and realizes that teaching yoga was not going to be the career path for her. We are then taken to her paying job which is an utter disaster, only to be taken to a blind date that is another disaster. This poor girl just cannot catch a break. At 28, Poppy is reeling with what to do with herself until her sister Megan pointed out how good she was with her two sons. Megan works her magic and hooks Poppy up with a father in need of a Nanny, Mr. Ryan Larson and his two children, Zoe and Zach. Ryan is a workaholic working on an app. Zoe and Zach can be compared to the evil children in Mary Poppins that chase every last nanny away until Mary arrives and gives them the discipline that they need. Poppy has an abysmal first day with the children and basically quits at the end of the day, but Ryan talks her into staying until the end of the month. A lot happens in a month and we are taken through the journey as Poppy bonds with the children, experiences more conflict. This books ends in a flair and after reading this book all in one day, I now have it set to tape on my DVR. I cannot wait for my apple cider and apple spiced everything. I am not a big fan of pumpkin spice, but pumpkin pie here we come!

I enjoyed reading about these two characters Ryan and Poppy and Ryan's two Children Zach and Zoe. I thought these was a sweet and enjoyable story. It kept me wanting to find out what happens next. I thought it was well written and it was based off of a Hallmark movie. Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for a free copy of these book. I voluntarily reviewed these book in exchange for a honest review.

October Kiss
By Kristen Ethridge
Poppy is a woman who struggles with where she fits in. She is in her late 20’s and has nothing to show for. While her brother in law is deployed Poppy moves in with her sister Megan and kids determined to change. Little does she realize her decision to learn to commit to something will be a success and change her life.
Meanwhile, Ryan is a widower with two young kids. He is working to provide for his family but in doing so is losing them along the way. Determined that once this work project is finished things will change and get better, he hires Poppy temporarily to hold his family together.
Romance is the name of this game. October Kiss was easy to call but enjoyable to read. I am an avid reader and read quite quickly. That being said this book only took me an afternoon to read. The back of the book boosted a pumpkin soup recipe to tie this fun story together. Overall I think this was a great pick me up romance. It was short and sweet, but just right for this reader.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This was a typical HEA Hallmark movie. One I actually saw, by the way. I loved the movie and the book even more. As promised, Hallmark finished it. In this case they married, increased their family and lived happily ever after. Good job, Hallmark.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher and the author in return for an honest review.

This was a sweet book. Took me a bit to get involved in the characters but once that I did it was a quick read. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future