You need a comfy, cozy fall read with a little spice on top? Then give The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman a look.

Ellie and Aiden were childhood friends whose parent's ran adjacent businesses. After high school Ellie left but Aiden stayed. Now she's back as her parents work to make their inn profitable and she licks her wounds from a nasty betrayal.

The chemistry between Ellie and Aiden is fantastic. I love the other townsfolk the book touches on; it gives Stars Hollow vibes. I giggled at the visuals of a Pug watching a washing machine waiting for his jammies to be clean. Also, enjoyed the clear openings for more books in the same universe.

Aiden's nurturing was so sweet and Ellie's can-do spirit was fun to read. The spicy scenes were also fairly solid. Some books start to feel like spice delivery mechanisms but The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn strikes the perfect balance.

I do wish Ellie's inner monologue was a little more mature. Sometimes she felt younger than she was meant to be. Also, for a book that has no one with diagnosed dementia, using the word "dementia" 18 times started to feel a little bit too much.

Overall, this is an easy recommend and I'd eagerly read others in the series if that's where this is headed.

Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for a chance to read this book for review. All opinions are always 100% my own.

Ellie Lawson an event planner gets dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her job. Her mom calls asking for help with the fall festival in their Honeycrisp Orchard Inn so she returns to her hometown to help her parents. When she arrives she finds her childhood friend Aiden the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner staying In her parents attic apartment where she was going to stay at and now she is stuck living with him and working with him

This is my first book by Valerie Bowman and I can’t wait to read more of her books. This was the perfect cute and cozy fall book for me. It really gave me the Fall Hallmark mixed with Gilmore Girls vibes. I loved and enjoyed this story and was immediately hooked from page one. The characters were all amazing and I loved how sweet and cute Ellie and Aiden’s love story was. The chemistry between Ellie and Aiden was perfect and I loved how their relationship unfolded. The cover was so gorgeous I loved it! This one definitely will be added to my FALL TBR list!

If you are looking for a small town cozy book to read this fall definitely pick this one up.

Thank you Avon a, NetGalley, and Valerie Bowman for the gifted ARC in exchange of my honest review! 🧡💛🤎♥️

This was that perfect cozy fall Hallmark movie vibe of a book. As someone who loves a good cheesy predictable romance, that is a huge compliment!

It’s a delightful book filled with loveable characters including adorable pups, romantic scenes that make you swoon, witty banter that makes your eyes pop, small town gossip that makes you giggle and the most beautiful fall backdrop. It was an easy read that made me smile.

This book was exactly how it sounds, cute and cozy. I can say in all honesty it reads like a Hallmark movie. It's definitely formulaic, and you know how it's all going to turn out, but it is a nice journey. I enjoyed it more than I expected.If there is a book two, I will probably look into it.

ARC Review: The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
🌶️ 2–2.5/5
🍎 Tropes: Slow Burn • Forced Proximity • Old Friends-to-Lovers • Small Town Romance
This one gave me all the cozy fall vibes. 🍂
Ellie is ambitious and career-driven, determined to make it big as an event planner, that is, until a betrayal from her ex/coworker sends her back to her hometown. Aiden, her childhood friend who never left, has been running the family business and has secretly loved her for years. When the inn faces financial struggles, the two are forced to share an apartment upstairs and work together to pull off a festival that could save the business.

This romance had a slow burn feel with forced proximity that worked really well for their dynamic. The old friends-to-lovers angle was sweet, and I appreciated that both characters admitted their attraction instead of dragging it out too long. The spice is on the lighter side, with a couple of scenes that add warmth to their relationship without shifting the cozy tone.

I’ll admit, Ellie annoyed me at times—she didn’t always think things through and put a lot of value on materialistic success in the beginning. But I ended up appreciating how this tied into her growth arc, as she slowly redefined what success looked like for her and rediscovered what truly mattered.
One character I really loved was Ellie’s best friend, Maria. She works as the PR rep for the inn, is fiercely loyal, a total girls’ girl, and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself (or Ellie). She added a fun spark to the story and balanced out the sweetness with some sass.

There is a brief third-act breakup, which felt a little unnecessary, but thankfully it was short-lived and didn’t take away from the overall heart of the story.
While some parts of the plot were a bit predictable, the orchard setting, fall festival backdrop, and cozy small-town charm made this a heartwarming, low-angst romance. Perfect for readers looking for something sweet with just a touch of spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Inc. for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was just what I needed to feel the first fall vibes of the year. It was so heartwarming and charming and everything you want in a romance novel. I enjoyed both of the main characters along with the side characters. I can see where the author is setting up for more additions to the series with some of the side characters development and she sets them up in a way that makes you excited for both of them. I can't wait to read more of Aiden and Ellies story and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book!

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a cozy, heartwarming romance perfect for fans of the Lovelight series and The Pumpkin Spice Café. When Ellie Lawson returns to her family’s inn after losing both her job and her boyfriend, she expects peace and quiet—but instead finds herself sharing space (and clashing) with Aiden, the handsome and infuriating son of the neighboring orchard owners. Tasked with running the annual Harvest Festival together, their reluctant partnership soon blossoms into something deeper amidst apple-scented days, small-town charm, and undeniable chemistry.

With its autumnal setting, witty banter, and swoony slow-burn romance, this story blends comfort and spice in just the right measure. Readers will fall in love with the orchard, the festival, and the sparks flying between Ellie and Aiden.

If you’re going to read one autumn themed cutie romance book this fall season, it needs to be this one!

This book was written in a casual manner that made it entirely relatable and also laugh out loud FUNNY. Ellie and I would be friends IRL, I just know it. I loved the forced proximity of Ellie having to deal with Aiden, and the rekindling their relationship. The true stars of this book are the dogs. There’s Pumpkin the Pug, who insists on wearing his orange pajamas, and Argos the Labrador who cannot go without his apple toy. The inn and orchard backdrop with the harvest festival as the main event made this a literal dream of an autumn read!

🍂 Forced proximity
🍂 Small town romance
🍂 Autumn themed
🍂 Grumpy x sunshine
🍂 Slow burn
🌶️🌶️ (chapters 21, 22)

Valerie Bowman’s The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is the quintessential cozy romance novel—warm, witty, and impossibly charming. Ellie Lawson, recovering from heartbreak and job loss, returns to her family’s inn nestled among Long Island apple trees, hoping for quiet healing. Instead, she collides with Aiden—the handsome, stubborn son of the orchard’s owners—who’s already occupying her intended retreat.

Their forced cohabitation to co-run the Harvest Festival that supports both their families builds the perfect backdrop for a nostalgic, slow-burn romance. The book shines in its vivid autumnal setting and comforting small-town details—from crisp apple scents to colorful fall foliage, and even adorable sidekicks like a pug in pajamas and a yellow lab. Ellie’s internal monologue is both relatable and hilarious, while Aiden grounds the romance with steady charm and genuine care.

This is the kind of story that wraps you in flannel blankets and makes you crave apple cider by the fire. A delightful read for fans of small-town romance, pumpkins and cider, and heartfelt slow-burn love.

This book has all the cozy feels. A sweet family run inn, a fall festival and enemies to lovers in addition to close proximity. I loved it. It was an easy read you can breeze right thru. Perfect start to your fall TBR.

I loved this book! Felt like watching a hallmark movie! I never wanted it to end I’ll definitely be reading this book again when it comes out so I can’t also listen to the audiobook I’d love to see how it comes to life with narrators!!

This book is structured like your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. What you see on the cover (dog, gorgeous house, fall leaves, ambience) is what you get. I will warn that you have to get past the first part. Logically, I know that something bad has to happen to make her leave the city, but I was stunned at how bad it was going to be. You have to get past that. It'll be OK. Trust me. No spoilers, but there is also an adorable bit about a "true-crime chicken" and a bookshelf modeled like the one off of Beauty and the Beast. You'll have to read to get the details on those things. Suffice it to say that I recently encountered one of those bookshelves in real life and I did not get to have fun with it. Books are for the things you wish you could do, right?

Ohmyhoneycrisp…

I can’t tell you how much I LOVED this book. It has been so long since I have read a romance book like this and I gotta say I was hooked. I am crossing my fingers that there will be more. Because I know whose books I want!!

This book is like a walking hallmark movie with sex-y time! It was absolutely wonderful. I wanted a fall vibe and boy did I get it. This author really hit the mark. So if you love a hallmark like romance with big fall vibes and some serious sex-y time. Well add this one!

This is my first by this author and soooo not my last!

This was a really cute seasonal, small town romance. It is a very cozy read complete with great characters and great scenery. I loved the small town events and the fact that everyone knows everyone. I think the only thing I didn't care for was Eleanor's character. She gave me the ick. She seemed very selfish & a bit disrespectful towards her parents. Her saying they have dementia because they forgot something seemed a bit drastic. I really felt like it was similar to Pumpkin Spice Cafe but not as enjoyable. All in all it was a cute read, I'm glad I read it, and I think most people will enjoy it.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager, Valerie Bowman and NetGalley for the advanced copy of *The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn*🍎🍁🌳

~ 3.5 stars ~ rounded up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🍎 forced proximity
🍁 childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🍎 loving families
🍁 hot, flannel-wearing MMC
🍎 cozy small town
🍁 lovable meddling townsfolk
🍎 adorable puppy sidekicks🐾

*The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn* is a cute autumn romance. Reading it felt much like watching Gilmore Girls, which the characters also do in the book... so fitting☺️

Ellie and Aiden's story makes for a fun and cozy read. Their families and close friends are great side characters and the setting at the orchard and inn is just perfect for autumn time. The dogs are an adorable addition to the story.

The pacing felt a little uneven at time and on-and-off of Ellie and Aiden's relationship pulled me out of the story a few times. I also would have like a bit more depth to the characters, especially as they worked through their personal challenges and changes.

Overall, this is a fun and easy autumn romance read. Multiple other characters were set up for future stories and I can see myself coming back for more time at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn🍁🍎🧡

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!!

This is a cozy fall romance MUST!!

A sweet hallmark vibe romance with just a pinch of spice. Aiden and Ellie had such a sweet story somewhere between friends-to-lovers and second chance (she’s the one that got away). Bowman sets up a promising series that I cannot wait to read! For me, this was even better than a certain cozy romance series👀

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn had the most perfect cozy fall vibes and was exactly what I was looking for. It felt like I was being wrapped in a warm hug of rom com coziness. The romance, small town vibes, gossip, and community is just delightful. Planning a fall festival is such a vibe and I appreciated all the little details and touches. I loved this one!

First Fall book of the season and it didn’t disappoint! This was a cute and cozy rom-com where you fall in love with the characters and the small town. I wish Harvest Hollow was real because I would love to visit it haha! Love the forced proximity trope and this nailed that! Overall would definitely recommend!

ARC review
The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman
Pub date: September 9, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Avon Books, Harper Voyager US, Netgalley and Valerie Bowman for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“When you find the person who’ll save you from what you’re afraid of, don’t let go.”

This book was so good! It is just what I needed for this time of year. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie with a touch of spice. It was comforting like a warm blanket 🥰 I loved Ellie our FMC and Aiden our MMC.

Elllie was fired from her event planning job and broken up with by her boyfriend, so she went home to her family’s inn. There she comes in contact with her childhood friend and farmer, Aiden. Who is also the son of the orchard owners. They start planning the fall festival, and they learn more about their past. She is faced with either going back to work, or staying in town with her family and the man that she loves, where she is loved and accepted. What I loved most about this book, is that they both figure out their insecurities together and realize that there is nothing to be afraid about, when it comes to life.

I can’t wait for future books in the series and more small town romance from this author! I also loved Pumpkin the dog!! So cute how he always wanted his orange clothes. And Argos who loved his apple toy. Everything was so well done in this book! I highly recommend! ☺️🍎🍂

Read if you like:
Small town romance
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Insta attraction
Found family
2nd chance at happiness
Slow burn romance
Cozy/seasonal

Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyager for the eArc through NetGalley!

This book was fun! I picked it up wanting a lighter read after a long week, and I found that it perfectly fit the bill. This book made me want to run out to my local apple orchard for cider & donuts. Because of that, I gave this book five stars because I felt like it perfectly fit the bill of what I wanted—a lighthearted, cozy, and fun romance.

I was pleasantly surprised by the character growth. Yes, it's a little Hallmark-y (city girl returns home to the country to rediscover her priorities), but I felt like it was handled well; it didn't feel inauthentic or forced. I also liked that the growth happened from characters on both sides of the equation, and the overarching theme was more focused on finding your own definition of happiness.

Now, to the romance. Aiden, our MMC, is the perfect book boyfriend. He clearly cares for Ellie (the FMC) and wants her to make the best decision for her. They were childhood friends, but grew apart as they grew older. Now, they're forced to work together to plan a festival to try to save their families' orchard/inn, but things are... tense. Personally, I thought the tension at the beginning gave it just right sprinkle of dislike while not making it too overt—watching their relationship grow felt very natural. I also thought the spicy scenes fit in well and didn't disrupt the story (I'd give this book a 2.5/5 on the spice scale, I think).

Overall, I would recommend this book if you're looking for a cozy fall read! There are really strong Gilmore Girls vibes and I wanted to find myself a hayride afterwards. Personally I hope we get more books set in this universe, as I think some of the potential couples introduced in this book would make a compelling romance.