There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

There’s Pumpkin About You is a wonderfully cozy romcom with perfect fall vibes, a lovely small town, and lots of heart!

Wren is given the opportunity to plan her best friend’s 30th birthday party and she is determined to make it so incredible that her party planning business becomes well known beyond her small town. Her plan for the throwing a party to remember hinges on the Finch family’s Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. However, in order to obtain the venue and have them as a supplier, she has to somehow convince August Finch to agree to the plan.

The plot is lighthearted, charming, and sweet. The characters were developed well. Wren and August’s relationship was heartfelt and the way in which they try to understand each other better and learn to communicate was commendable. Their connection feels genuine, intentional, and meaningful. The community/found family element within the small town was heartwarming. A sweet, cozy autumn romance with heart!

I have mixed feelings on this one.
I picked it up expecting all the fall feels but it didn’t really deliver on that. Apart from being set on a pumpkin farm and there being a party planned for Halloween, it didn’t really have any other fall/ autumn vibes which was a bit disappointing given the cover and title.

The autism rep in this story is strong and seems well researched. The author goes into great depth about Gus (the MMC) and his autism diagnosis- it’s really well explained so the reader can understand his feelings and reactions in certain situations. She also shows how this has impacted his relationships and daily life. I did feel though that the majority of the story was about this, rather than focusing on the romance between him and Wren which felt like a secondary storyline at times. Wren also felt a bit like a side character and we didn’t really learn much about her.

Overall an ok read but not quite what I was expecting.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC.

"There’s Pumpkin About You" by Athena Carstairs was such a warm, comforting read — the kind of story that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and a rainy autumn afternoon. I loved how cozy and sweet the overall vibe was, and the setting truly captured that magical, crisp fall feeling.

One thing I really respected and appreciated was the author’s choice to make the male main character neurodivergent. While I’m not on the spectrum myself and don’t have deep knowledge of autism, I admire the thoughtful representation and inclusion — it added depth to the story in a subtle but meaningful way.

The plot itself was lovely and gave me exactly what I was looking for — light, heartfelt, and charming. I liked the characters individually, but I did find the chemistry between them a bit lacking. There were moments where I wanted to feel more of a spark or emotional tension, and it just didn’t fully land for me.

Also, one thing that pulled me out of the story was how quickly and casually the female lead started calling the MMC “asshole.” It felt jarring and a little too sharp, especially in a story that otherwise felt so soft and gentle.

All in all, this was a 3.5-star read for me — cozy and enjoyable, with a lot of heart, even if a few elements didn’t fully connect. Still, I’d definitely be open to reading more from Athena Carstairs in the future

Book Title: There's Pumpkin About You

Author: Athena Carstairs

Genre: Cozy Romance, Small-Town Romance, Autumnal Romance

Publication Date: 22 August 2025

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I received a free copy from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Introduction

🍁 As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, what better way to embrace the season than with a cozy autumnal romance? There's Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs promises just that, wrapping you in pumpkin-scented warmth and small-town charm. Right from the start, this book sets a welcoming tone, not only with its delightful fall setting but also with a thoughtful playlist at the beginning – a wonderful touch for music lovers like me! It also includes a crucial disclaimer from the author regarding August, the main male character. This upfront note helps with understanding his perspective from the outset, allowing for a more empathetic reading experience.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

🍂 The story follows Wren, a party planner determined to throw an unforgettable autumn-themed 30th birthday party for her best friend, while simultaneously aiming to boost her event planning business. Her ambitious plans lead her to the enchanting Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm and its owner, the seemingly gruff but ultimately charming August Finch. This sets the stage for a delightful grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic, complete with hay bales, spirited debates, and an undeniable, slow-burning chemistry.

🧡 As Wren and August work together to transform the farm for the event, they navigate their differences and slowly learn to trust one another. The narrative focuses on their evolving relationship, personal growth, and the quaint charm of Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. Will Wren's vision save her business and bring joy to Goldleaf, and will August find himself falling for the spirited party planner?

Overall Thoughts

🎃 There's Pumpkin About You is undeniably an immersive autumn read that immediately transports you to a world of falling leaves and pumpkin spice. The setting is vividly painted, making it easy to imagine yourself right there amidst the hayrides and fairy-lit barn parties. This book is a true cozy, light-hearted escape, perfect for settling in with a warm drink.

🫂 One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the representation of August's ASD. The author makes an effort to portray his neurodivergence with care, highlighting both the challenges he faces and his unique strengths. It was refreshing to read the passages handled with sensitivity, and it genuinely added a layer of depth to his character. While it's not universally perfect for every reader, the attempt to show how August experiences the world and relationships without completely changing his presentation is appreciated. Also, the fact that the characters are in their 30s also lends a more mature and realistic feel to their interactions and the story's overall dynamic, making their struggles and triumphs more relatable.

📖 While the autumn vibes were impeccable and the premise charming, the writing style could benefit from more refinement to be more engaging. At times, the prose felt a bit repetitive or clunky, occasionally pulling me out of the story's flow. While the slow-burn romance was sweet, the chemistry between Wren and August sometimes felt a little understated, making it challenging to fully connect with their romantic journey. Some of their interactions seemed to be a bit jarring, and there were moments where I wished for clearer communication to resolve conflicts rather than relying on misunderstandings.

✨ Despite these points, the supporting characters often shine, adding warmth and humor to the narrative, and the small-town community truly feels like a character itself. The story is a quick read, with low stakes that make it a perfect choice for those seeking a light, feel-good romance.

Conclusion & Final Rating

✅ If you're looking for an endearing fall romance that delivers strong cozy, small-town vibes and features thoughtful representation of an autistic male lead, There's Pumpkin About You is certainly worth considering. It’s a heartwarming read that, despite some prose and chemistry nuances, ultimately leaves you with a smile and a longing for sweater weather. It's the perfect book to curl up with as the leaves start to turn, offering a comforting escape into a world of pumpkins and growing affection.

Final Rating: ★★★☆☆

Book Tropes:

Grumpy/Sunshine

Small Town Romance

Forced Proximity

Autumnal Vibes

Opposites Attract

Found Family / Strong Friend Group

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Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
So many of us LOVE fall vibes, especially for a cozy romance. Unfortunately, the chemistry was a little lacking for me. I also had to suffer through the prose, which was annoyingly repetitive and a little juvenile, given that the FMC is nearly 30.
If you're looking for an endearing fall romance with comforting small-town vibes, this is for you.

I’m a big believer that not every book is for everyone and this one was not for me. I did push through it for review purposes and will try my best to outline what I did enjoy and what I didn’t.

The cover is adorable, it has a great Fall setting, diverse rep, and I enjoyed a few of the side characters.

As for the main characters and romantic plot, I just didn’t feel the chemistry or connection. I disliked how they interacted and talked to one another. The romance did not translate to me in any way. The language was a pretty quick turn off. I can appreciate excessive language on occasion to express frustration or to create emphasis, however, this was excessive and a cringe worthy amount for me. The entire party plot didn't work for me and honestly much of it just didn't make sense. This one just wasn't for me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a eARC in exchange for an honest review.

All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

I want to preface this review by stating I am an Autistic reviewer, but I do not speak for all Autistic people!! With that said, I was very excited for this book. I didn't realize Gus was Autistic until I started reading and saw the author's note at the beginning. That introduction already had me wary of continuing with the book. While I don't think Athena Carstairs had any ill intent with her wording or representation, it doesn't diminish the fact that intent doesn't outweigh impact. This book was extremely frustrating for me to read as an Autistic person.

Firstly, Autism is not my purse, right? Like it's not something I carry around with me all the time, I just am Autistic. Aside from the language, the rep felt pretty White Boy Autism coded (stereotypical to how media portrays us; ie, all white cishet boys with anger issues.) I will say, the media usually portrays us as childlike, and thus makes us not sexual, so I appreciate that representation in the book. However, this book did not do a good job of looking into an Autistic person's mind. Which makes sense considering the Author is an Allistic.

Secondly, it's hard to root for this couple. At the start of the book, Gus tells Wren why he might be coming across as rude and tells her to tell him if he is. Instead of listening to this conversation, Wren spends the rest of the book blowing up at him and calling him rude. When Gus tries to explain this is why the town hates him and he feels isolated, Wren completely invalidates his experiences by saying, <spoiler>"Gus, you're not like that because you have autism. You're like that because you're an asshole." </spoiler>This scene is supposed to be read as romantic, believe it or not. They very quickly fall in love after this, hook up, and then unsurprisingly have another big blowout that leaves them arguing 20% from the end.

Lastly, I just didn't have fun reading this. I didn't find it funny, I didn't find it sexy, I didn't find it lighthearted. A lot of the plot lines disappear into the background. There are a couple of instances when scene information is mixed up- which I can understand being issues with this being an unpublished copy. The Autumn vibes were cozy, but I got nothing else from this. I'm disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and autumnal vibes of this book! It was different to what I was expecting , some of the characters were a bit annoying, but I still enjoyed the story. I just wish there was a bit more love and romance in it, there were a lot of grumpy characters! But overall a good solid autumnal themed book.

Athena Carstairs delivers a cosy, heartwarming autumnal romance in There’s Pumpkin About You; a charming and comforting read that wraps you in pumpkin-scented warmth and small-town charm.

The story follows Wren, a party planner on a mission to throw the ultimate autumn-themed 30th birthday bash for her best friend, while simultaneously trying to get her business off the ground.

Her plans lead her to Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm and its gruff but gorgeous owner, August Finch, cue the classic grumpy x sunshine dynamic, complete with hay bales, heated debates, and undeniable chemistry.

Carstairs does a lovely job bringing the season to life - think pumpkin patches, chilly evenings, and barn parties lit by fairy lights.

The setting is delightfully vivid, and Wren’s enthusiasm for all things autumn is infectious. The romance unfolds at a gentle pace, with a believable connection that grows as the pair learn to trust one another.

One standout element is the thoughtful and sensitive representation of autism through August’s character.

Rather than leaning into stereotypes, the portrayal is layered and authentic, highlighting both the challenges and strengths that come with being neurodivergent. It’s refreshing to see this handled with such care in a romantic context.

While the story doesn’t delve into heavy drama or high stakes, its quiet charm lies in the sweetness of the characters and the emotional growth they experience.

The slow-burn romance is light on spice but full of warmth, making it a perfect comfort read.

Overall, There’s Pumpkin About You is an endearing seasonal romance with a kind heart and a soft touch. A lovely choice for anyone craving a feel-good autumn read—even if you’re picking it up in the middle of summer.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I want to start by saying that I love the fact that Carstairs did not change how Gus’ autism presents. I’ve read several books with autistic main characters and they fall in love and it co lately changes how the characters neurodivergence is represented.
I enjoyed There’s Pumpkin About You! It was sweet and based in Autumn and had diverse characters. It was small town and annoyances to lovers and found family. So many things I enjoy! And pumpkins!
The pacing was good, the characters well developed and the setting was descriptive.
Perfect for a nice little romance with good representation!

A cosy autumnal romance full of banter, swoon worthy romance and of course, pumpkins! I loved how easy this book was to read. I thought the rep of Autism was good, Wren wasn’t taking it as an excuse and really made him work harder on showing up and being better - the perfect match!

Thanks to Harper Collin’s Uk and NetGalley for this arc. This was such a cozy fun autumn read. It makes me want to put up my fall decorations and do all the fall things! I love the two main character’s relationship. The chemistry is great.

This made me want it to be the fall season so badly! It’s tackles important topics while still feeling like a sweet, very easy to get into romance read. It’s also perfect to read in a weekend!! If you’re looking for a slow burn romance that delivers on the vibes, this one is for you!

Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK | One More Chapter for my ARC!

3.75/5

A cozy, pumpkin‑spiced rom‑com full of charm and playful banter. Cara and Nolan’s chemistry shines against a festive fall backdrop of harvest fairs and carving mishaps. Light, sweet, and heart‑warming—perfect for anyone craving an autumn romance with zero heavy drama. Great to curl up with a PSL when the season starts

The ultimate cosy, Autumn read. I might have been reading mid-summer but There’s Pumpkin About You had me dreaming about spiced lattes and pumpkin carving. The setting is lovely. A small town where, of course, the coffee shop owner knows your order and the old ladies know your business.

This is the first romance book I’ve read with autism representation. I think it was done really well, getting the fine balance between showing the everyday difficulties of autism and showing how autism doesn’t stop you from pursuing relationships and being successful.

Wren and August were sweet. I enjoyed the slow burn of their romance as they began to trust each other. It was so close to being a five star read for me. There were just a few moments where I felt uncomfortable with the way Wren speaks to August, as she is fully aware of how he gets overwhelmed. In some ways I actually preferred the side characters and I hope they get their own books.

I really loved reading this book. I found it cosy and light-hearted which makes for a perfect autumn read. I loved the slow burn, enemies to friends elements of the story and found the writing style really easy to read. I loved the main characters, and the humour between them. Definitely one I recommend.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book out me into a reading slump - it was so bad. From the start, the main characters are depressing. Nobody has any money, everyone is scraping by to make it work (though somehow she affords coffee for the barn drew every day?) I had to stop reading about 75% of the way through. Everyone was so pathetic and I literally didn't care if they finished the barn in time or had the party. Yikes.

This is a really cute autumn romance between a party planner and a pumpkin farm, as they work together to fix up a barn which should boost both their businesses. Wren and August think they dislike each other from the moment they meet, but it is clear to the reader and to everyone around them that they are a lot more fond of each other than they would like to admit.

The story is pretty gripping, and it is very easy to keep turning the pages to find out what is going to happen next. The stakes are pretty low and the conflicts between the characters are hard to believe as serious issues (things which could very easily be resolved with just a tiny bit of actual communication) but the book feels light and easy to read in part because of that. I raced through this book, and while I think it could be a bit more polished, and the side characters utilised more, I wouldn't hesitate to read more by this author.

I actually had to DNF this book at 33% because I could not stand to read another page of Gus being just a stereotype. I was sick of him being disrespected around every turn even from the FMC. I was sick of his only traid being ASD. As an autistic person who teaches special education, I feel qualified to say that this is a very bad representation of ASD. Plus the pacing was simultaneously too fast and too slow somehow. It’s petty but “Oakleigh” and “Bash” are names I had to skim over. And the town was just too stereotypical in ways it didn’t need to be. I’m being too harsh with those three things but I’m just frustrated enough with the way Gus was written that I don’t care. Oh also the whole “too fat to lean on the desk thing” is so archaic and fatphobic. It was just pushing all my buttons. Really sad bc the cover is so cute and I was excited about both race and disability representation. Disappointing.

I loved reading There’s Pumpkins About You. This cozy, lighthearted romance was just what I needed. The Enemies to Friends and Slow Burn aspects of the story kept me entertained. The banter between Wren and Gus was so honest and genuine. I also enjoyed the peek into the world of Autism in its many forms and nuances. The cover drew me in, but the writing is what kept me hooked. I read this in one day. I loved it.