This was a cute fall themed romance! There's no spice which is refreshing and makes it perfect for a teenager. It did feel slow at some points, and I did feel at times like Elis was getting unfairly judged for things, but overall it was super cute and very feel good! I wouldn't call it Gilmore Girls esq though.

Falling Like Leaves was one of my favorite books of the year. It is the epitome of a cozy fall romance. The progression of Ellis is fun to see as she realizes that it is best to be herself. I hope for more books from Misty Wilson soon.

Everyone loves small town romances, and we can thank Hallmark movies and other books for it. Usually, these types of media have adult characters that come from a big city and, against their will, are tasked to a small town. In Falling Like Leaves, the characters are teenagers and in high school, with our main character Ellis being forced to come to Bramble Falls by her mother. This book read like a Hallmark movie, and I mean that in the best way possible. Everywhere that was described felt so cozy and made me excited for the fall season.

There needs to be more small-town coffee shops so Starbucks can get a run for its money. I would literally go to The Caffeinated-Cat every single day for coffee and pastries. A harvest latte, or whatever it was called, sounds SO good since I'm not really a big pumpkin spice fan.

In my opinion, this story didn't have a lot of showing. We were told about Ellis and Cooper's summer and all the things they did together, but I would have liked to have chapters that took us through the point of view of them when they were in middle school. For me, that would have made me more attached to them and also provide readers with how they acted back then.

I wasn't one hundred percent in love with the story because of the characters. I'll talk about it more under each specific character, but the side characters were bland and didn't really have anything going for them. The hints that we got for the next book in the series didn't really make me excited because we didn't get to see a lot of that couple.

I liked Ellis for the first twenty percent of the book but then I just found her annoying and getting on my nerves. I understand you had a plan, and you want to stick to it, but you don't have to take it out on everyone like you're a toddler or something. Needless to say, I saw Ellis as a brat but was a little bit better at the end. I feel like there should have been more time for her character development instead of it all happening in five percent.

Cooper was really sweet but didn't have any personality. He works in the coffee shop and bakes, which any girl would kill for honestly, and helps a lot with the fall events. Also, really love how he switched how he felt about Ellis during the third act breakup. That almost made me throw my kindle across the room.

This is a good book if you're looking for fall vibes and all the food and drinks it comes with! The fall events of Bramble Falls were so cozy and fun, and I wish every town had things like this. I found the characters to be a bit bland and sufferable at times but at the end, I liked how the story ended. I'm curious to see how the rest of the series is going to turn out. Is each book going to focus on a different season like Lovelight Farms does? Or are they all going to focus on fall each year? When the next ones come out for arcs, I will be applying for them.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster children's and netgalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
🍂 This is a cozy autumn small town ya romance. I really enjoyed the story, the autumn vibes were definitely vibing! I thought the story had a good heart. It was funny and sweet. I really liked the characters a lot. Ellis was going through some changes in her life, and she had a tough go with trying to figure out herself. Cooper was just a teen golden retriever, sweet baker, who had been in love with her for years. He had my heart ❤️. I enjoyed all the side characters. Sloane was amazing and funny.

🍂I loved the relationship building with her mom and how she saw her mom growing and finding herself again.

🍂 All the fun town games and festivals was amazing, and the description of everything was great it put right into Bramble Falls. I really loved the Ghost in the graveyard. I wanted to be a teenager again and play. Also, ghost in the graveyard Ellis and Cooper 🩷

🍂 Okay, some of my other thoughts. I didn't love the way the description of some of the characters was written , I felt it could have been better. But other than that, I really did love the story and thought the author did a great job with giving you the autumn vibes. I will definitely have my daughters read this

This book was all of the fall vibes wrapped into one story! It made me achingly ready for crisp air, pumpkins, and cozy evenings. The small-town charm of Bramble Falls leapt off the page, full of apple-picking, festival prep, and quirky residents that gave the story such a warm, atmospheric glow.

At its heart, this was a coming-of-age story about learning to follow your own path instead of someone else’s. I loved Ellis’s emotional journey and the realizations she had to face in order to truly grow into herself. And then there’s Cooper. Dreamy, patient, and everything you want in a second-chance romance. The push and pull between him and Ellis had me fully hooked, both swooning and hurting right alongside them.

The book was an emotional rollercoaster. Full of laugh-out-loud banter, sweet moments, and a few truly devastating turns that ruined me in the best way possible. It perfectly balanced romance, personal growth, and family complexities in a way that felt both heartfelt and satisfying.

Overall, this was a delightful and emotional fall read that I’d highly recommend to anyone who loves second-chance romance, small-town charm, and stories that feel like a cozy autumn day with just the right edge of bittersweet.

Falling Like Leaves is like a pumpkin spice latte (or in this case, a harvest spice latte) on the first cool day of autumn - there's a sense of comfort, of familiarity and you're longing for your next knit sweater.

I did appreciate that Falling Like Leaves expressly is thoughtful about being a coming of age novel about Ellis, who has always worked towards the path that her father has set for her. Once her life is derailed by a move with her mother to Bramble Falls (a small town that loves everything about fall), Ellis has to decide what her priorities are and who she wants to be.

The book lets Ellis make mistakes and at times, be a bit frustratingly stubborn. Cooper is perhaps a little too perfect as a love interest (did we not all want a handsome boy pining over us?), but the book has a sweet and relatable message about caring for others and our community and rethinking the goals we've had set for us. I'd recommend for fans of Jenny Han and Sarah Dessen (or Hallmark autumn movies). Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the early copy.

Super sweet and cozy! I had a great time and would recommend to anyone wanting a clean, lighthearted read to get into the fall mood! The writing was great and while it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, I enjoyed the story!!

Falling Like Leaves by Misty Wilson was such a cute read from @SimonTeen! I loved the relationships, the cozy fall vibes, and the way it captured all the angst and sweetness of being a teen. The second chance romance, fall festivals, and cozy moments made this the perfect way to kick off the season. The title and cover couldn’t be more fitting! The characters were flawed yet charming, and the story had just the right amount of romance.

The only thing that pulled me out a bit was the language—there were a handful of swear words sprinkled throughout. I know it’s realistic to how teens speak, but personally, I wish they had been left out. Still, overall it was a fun, relatable, and heartwarming read that I’d recommend for anyone wanting a fall-themed YA romance. 🍁✨

I learned a lot about myself reading this book. I hate YA. Hear me out, it's probably just me a thing- or an adult thing? But this book read like a Wattpad fanfic. I was honestly waiting for One Direction to pop out and take out girl Ellis. So, I would skip this book if you are over the age of 18, heck maybe even 16. The premise for this book compares it to other works such as, Gilmore Girls and author Jenny Han. The bar is already set high but also low enough to meet the same standards as "The Summer I Turned Pretty". A few good things about the book- it didn't take itself seriously at all, and I really enjoyed the character development. Let's take a trip to Bramble Falls and meet our characters. 

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Ellis Mitchell, high school senior with some seriously big plans. She and her father have been talking about her career in journalism since she was just a wee little thing. She has had her life planned out since before she could remember. Get straight As, go to Columbia, and follow in her father's footsteps. She has everything going for her, she just has to stay focused and send in her Columbia application... eventually, maybe after scrolling through the FIT New York Fashion School homepage. Not that any of that matters because Ellis will be attending Columbia for journalism. She already attended multiple events and spoke to VIP people in the industry, all thanks to her father. However, she didn't know that her parents' marriage was suffering behind closed doors. Ellis woke up on a warm Sunday, the air was beginning to switch from a warm summer breeze to crispe fall air any day now. She was on a high after attending the journaling event last night and introducing herself to very important people in the industry. She woke up with a new inspiration, ready to start her senior year off great. Her father knocked on her door and sat down on the end of her bed, "Ellis, your mother and I would like to see you downstairs please." She was confused, her normally confident and charming dad, seemed drained and sad. She was nervous as she descends the staircase. Ready for whatever news was to come. She eyed her mother sitting across from her at the dining table. "Ellis, honey, I'm sorry to do this to you but your father and I are taking a break and you're moving with me to Bramble Falls." Ellis, obviously thinking her life is coming to a complete end, and all her dreams are crashing and falling right in front of her, refuses and refuses. But her mother is not taking no for answer. 

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The next day, she finds herself in her aunt's house, in the same town her mother grew up in, the same town that she used to visit when she was fourteen, the same town where she fell for a boy named Cooper. She doubts that Cooper remembers her from so long ago, but she still remembers him. Sloan decides it would be a good time to show Ellis around town. They grab the keys to the truck and make the first stop at the Caffeinated Cat. They both walk into the adorable cate cafe, with cats walking around everywhere and headbutting legs. Ellis walks to the counter to place an order and she instantly recognizes Cooper. However, to her surprise she wants nothing, and I mean nothing to do with her. Confused as to why Ellis is getting the cold shoulder, she does it right back. She doesn't have time for a fall romance anyways, or at least she doesn't think she does. The quicker she can get out of Bramble Falls and back to New York the better, and especially away from Cooper. 

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I really wanted to like this one, I mean look at that cover, adorable! I really did have high expectations, that fell very short unfortunately. I rated this book three stars. Due to the lack of professional writing and weak plot. Would I recommend this book to people I know? Maybe for some specific people such as a kid in high school. This is very coming of age and I think someone in the younger demographic would really enjoy this. However, that does not excuse the writing. There are plenty of wonderfully written YA books that tend to any audience no matter the age. I really hope to see Misty Wilson grow as a writer and find her voice.

Such a cute fun fall filled, YA romance. The town of Bramble falls is so cute and it’s like a warm chocolate chip cookie! Very cute easy read if you want to feel cozy and get yourself into the fall mood!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy of this book for my honest review.

4.5⭐️ Wow, wow, wow!!! I was not expecting to love this book THIS much! The setting was 10/10 and every time I picked up the book, I felt like I was in Bramble Falls! This book had all the fall vibes, like anything that makes you think of fall is in this book and I freakin loved it. If fall were a book… it’d be this one! Lolll The characters are also just so much fun and honestly it tugged at my heart strings a bit. Tears were shed… lol I was totally rooting for this couple and cannot wait until we get more in this series! Like I need to know whose next asap 🥹🥹
Thank you so much Netgally + Simon & Schuster! Definitely a new fav ❤️

I had high hopes because it’s a fall book and supposed to be like Gilmore Girls…but it really wasn’t. At least, I didn’t see any similarities other than being set in a small town. I understand that it’s a young adult book but the way it was written with the characters acting and speaking so immaturely that it felt more middle grade but with too much cursing. I couldn’t stand Ellis, who is supposed to be a high school senior. She acted like she was stuck in the 7th grade. I didn’t care about any of the other characters either, mostly because we really didn’t get to know them. I think I just wasn’t the right audience for this book but I appreciated the fall vibes.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️’s

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was such a cute & fluffy romance perfect to get you into the fall vibe! I don’t always LOVE reading about high school love because it feels different when you aren’t close that age anymore. However, Ellis’ is such a well-rounded FMC that you root for her to fall in love and really let go of the adult qualities she has! I absolutely LOVE the friendship & family dynamics. This book is well written and fast-paced! I would recommend this fall romance to anyone looking for cozy joy!

This was such an easy read, it was like reading a modern Gilmore Girls! It has all the cozy autumn vibes and made me excited for the colder months. What Cooper and Ellis did to Jack was messed up! I really wish she would have just told Jack she wasn't into him.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is perfect for the Fall season. I loved the plot and the characters. Curl up with a cozy blanket and just enjoy! Highly recommend!

This is the perfect YA cozy, fall romance! When Ellie's mom decides she needs to separate from her father, she abruptly moves the two to Bramble Falls, Connecticut to live with Ellie's aunt and cousin. Ellie is unhappy with the decision since it's her senior year, and she is focused on her internship at her father's media company and getting into Colombia, all to please her father. While her passion has always been fashion design, she strictly views it as a hobby, not a career, and begrudgingly packs her sewing machine and some projects at her mother's behest. What she doesn't expect is to find that her former best friend turned first kiss, Cooper, is still in town and not thrilled that she's back after ghosting him years ago.

As she becomes more involved in her Aunt Naomi's fall festival activities (she's the mayor of the town), volunteering from apple picking to tea parties and parade floats, she finds herself falling for Cooper and the lovely Bramble Falls. But Jake, one of Cooper's best friends, also likes her, and she has plans on returning to NYC soon. Her faltering relationship with her father is also an issue. Can she pursue her relationship with Cooper and her passion for fashion without alienating her new friends and displeasing herself and her family?

I loved this novel so much as the characters are real and relatable, and their flaws are realistic. I enjoy love triangles, especially when they are done with care and maturity while still addressing the hardship of everyone's feelings--Wilson handled this perfectly in a way that I feel like most teens need to see. Sometimes friends like each other, and sometimes it doesn't work out, but it doesn't have to destroy a friendship. I also enjoyed seeing Ellie and her mother's relationship evolve and change over the course of the novel. As a parent of a teen myself, it was refreshing to see a teen question their parents' motives and still come to an understanding that maybe they don't realize the extent a parent has gone to ensure that their child is well-adjusted and cared for. The idyllic setting of Bramble Falls is also so well-described and atmospheric. Can I visit Bramble Falls?!? I want a latte from the cat cafe and to participate in the two-legged race. I think teens and adults will love curling up with this one on a cool, crisp day and being transported to this sweet little town with all its charming inhabitants. It also looks like this will be a series, so I'm hoping for a Jake book soon! He was such a charming golden retriever, and I'd love to see him get his own love story! Can't wait for the next book, which will be Sloane's story!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Publishing and Netgallery for the e-ARC. This one is out Tuesday, Sept. 2nd!

3.5 ⭐️. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc for an honest review. Just a cute, small town fall read to get you in the fall mood. The main character is forced to go to her mom’s home town while her parents are taking a break and ends up falling in love with the town and really growing into the person she wants to be. Of course she falls in love with a boy as well and it’s a very cute story.

Falling Like Leaves is the perfect cozy autumn YA romance. Ellis’s journey of self-discovery, paired with her second-chance connection with Cooper, felt heartfelt and genuine along with the fall atmosphere, small-town charm, and lovable side characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was SO CUTE! It’s the perfect read to kick off the Fall season. The story follows a super-serious high school senior whose life gets upended when her mom forces her to start senior year in a small Connecticut town instead of NYC.

While there, she reconnects with her first kiss and learns how to navigate a slower-paced life than the one she’s used to.

This book was cozy, full of relatable moments, perfectly flawed-yet-charming characters, and just the right touch of romance.

Thank you to Simon Teen for the advance reader copy and to Simon Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Ellis is pulled from her elite high school in New York and all her senior year plans to spend time in Bramble Falls, Connecticut with her mom, aunt, and cousin. While the part about switching to a school with weaker academic offerings sounds awful to me, I would have enjoyed the Gilmore Girls vibes of the cute small town and its many falls traditions and festivals.

This is a great YA romance, aimed at high school students. It feels authentic. Ellis has big feelings and so much to navigates, as she comes of age. I loved her support in the form of her cousin Sloane. And I really enjoyed the many great characters in Bramble Falls. I am hoping for a Sloane book soon and have many thoughts on who her MMC would be.

For me, the very best parts were the wonderful descriptions of the amazing fall events. I want to participate in every single one. Plus the food descriptions! I must try the cookies from the Bramble Falls coffee shop. I found this so sweet and fin.

Rebekah Ross captured all of the drama of big teen feelings incredibly well in her narration of the audiobook. She varied not just her pitch and tone, but also her speed, to match the first person POV of Ellis.