I really enjoyed this book. It had humor, but at the same time was touching. The characters were well done, and I liked the character arcs a lot.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#LaurynHarperFallsApart #ShaunaRobinson #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Lauryn Harper is on a mission to excel at work and retire by 40. However, her plan is derailed when a misunderstanding leads to her demotion and transfer. While Lauryn eagerly works on getting back to head office she learns maybe her old life was not so great after all. Shauna Robinson is quickly becoming a must read author for me. This book is all heart. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

Now this is my kind of book: an immersive story, a character transformation and lessons I can learn for my own life. Yes, please.

In it, we meet Lauryn, a woman who got herself into a bit of a pickle at work and ended up at the flop house where the executives go when they make a big mistake, but know too much to be fired.

Now Lauryn’s back in the hometown she tried to escape with the best friend she’s missed for so many years and has a goal to get back to the way things were so she could retire at 40 and finally start her real life.

But an apple festival could turn everything upside down in the best possible way. This is a book about friendship, about family and found family, about what is really means to live your life and how fear can keep you stuck, but small steps can remind you who you really are inside.

Lauryn Harper had a plan. Until a mishap at work happens and her plan falls apart. I found this book real, sad, hopeful and enjoyable all at the same time. Highly recommend!

This was such a touching and cozy read that I was not expecting! Enter Lauryn, "banished" back to her hometown after a misunderstanding at work, she struggles to adjust from her previously busy DC life. When it feels like things can't get any worse, in walks her ex-bff asking the business a huge favor...save the community center by bringing back a legendary festival...where they had their friendship-ending fight.

For some reason I was expecting more of a rom-com but I'm glad that wasn't the case...I think it would have taken away from the relatability and character development of Lauryn. There were definitely a few laugh out loud moments, but not in ways that felt over the top or cheesy. The pacing was quick and the writing fun, making it perfectly cozy for all of this rainy weather we've had in the northeast!

I recommend this for anyone feeling a little lost or pressured to figure out our "timeline," especially when we hit a few bumps in the road. You'll fall in love with Lauryn Harper and learn a few lessons along the way. Thanks so much for this ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I wasn’t sure how this book would go but I have to say I absolutely loved it! Easy reading, relatable topics with having a job and a less than great workplace, all while navigating old and new friendships - chef’s kiss! Lauryn was very likeable and had me giggling throughout the book. She’s such a relatable main character and her struggles are things we all can understand. I was so eager to see how she worked with Marina given their history. This book had a lot of feel good moments despite the hardships of being employees at a company that doesn’t seem to value them at all!

This was such a heartwarming and enjoyable read! I really connected with Lauryn’s journey—watching her return to her hometown, face her past, and learn to let go of rigid plans was both relatable and inspiring. The dynamic between her and Marina, her former best friend, was a standout for me. I loved seeing them navigate old wounds and rebuild their friendship alongside the quirky and lovable Ryser Cares team.
The themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and second chances were woven in so naturally, and the revival of the Greenstead Apple Festival added the perfect touch of charm and community spirit. A thoughtful, feel-good story about coming home, embracing change, and realizing that success doesn’t always look the way we expect. Highly recommend!


Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.