Jake and Emily have been best friends since they were 5 yrs. old. I can just see Emily running up to
Jake and telling him they were going to be best friends. Cute!
I enjoyed their relationship but felt Jake needed to be able to stand up for himself more than he did. Which brings us
to Claire. She is so mean and controlling. I knew something bad was going to happen whenever she appeared.
I would highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for this Arc.

This was a heartwarming story about second chances. I loved the characters and their development and growth. The plot was well-paced and captivating. I highly recommend this clean and wholesome read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Emily Carmichael and Jake Hughes have been best friends since they were five years old. During their teen years, Emily developed a deep crush on Jake, but by then he was dating someone else, so she kept her feelings to herself. After the tragic loss of her parents, Emily sold the family home and left Splendid Lake behind, convinced she would never return.
Years later, at twenty-nine, Jake is fighting to save his family’s apple orchard. With the orchard’s 100th anniversary approaching, he reaches out to Emily, hoping her artistic talent and creative vision can help him plan a memorable centennial celebration. As they work side by side, old feelings begin to resurface for Emily — and Jake starts to realize that the sparks between them might be more than friendship. But complications arise when Jake’s ex-girlfriend continues inserting herself into his life and his parents’, stirring up tension and doubt.
Amy Clipston has a gift for crafting heartwarming stories filled with lovable, relatable characters, and this novel is no exception. Once I settled into this delightful tale, I couldn’t put it down. The blend of friendship, second chances, and emotional depth kept me turning pages straight through to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I seen who had written this book. You see, I love anything she writes but her Amish stories are my very favorite.
I loved this story for the Hallmark movie feel and 2nd chances. The colors of this book are gorgeous. The perfect blend of Fall.
I took my time in savoring this story because I didn't want it to end. I loved Emily and Jake's story. So heartfelt that in some places I wanted to cry it was so sweet.
This story hit home for me in many ways. The grief shared in this novel, the years of friendship lots going on in here that will keep you turning the pages. "Sigh"
Emily and Jake's somewhat banter made me smile at times too. I think these two were meant to be no matter how much time has passed. For everything there is a season and it's true.
Loved the small town vibe too. Another favorite about the story. Im from a small town so it resonates with me.
5 stars for a job well done. I highly recommend!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Talk about the most darling feel good love story out there! It gave me chills. I absolutely fell in love with this book.

Loved this book. Emily and Jake have been best friends since they were 5 but after Emily's parents died in a car crash. she moved away coming back to visit because Jake's family. they were like her second family. She always had a crush on Jake but figured they wouldn't have a future. He begged her to come back and help with the Orchard Celebration.. (100th year) To say anything else would spoil the whole story. A GREAD READ.

I just love the romance stores set in small towns. I love this one. Made me wish I could live in a place like Splendid Lake. Spendid Lake is the setting from a previous book by Amy Clipston but this is a stand alone book. I don't recall if the previous characters from Splendid Lake were mentioned in this book. In this book Emily has always been in love with Jake but they always remained in the best buddies category. Jake's family has an orchard business and when the orchard starts to decline because of a large scale competition moving in that undercuts their prices Jake calls on his best friend Emily to come help him out. Jake has had an of again and on again relationship with the beautiful Claire, currently an ex. Jake and Emily might have a chance to be more than friends if Claire doesn't get in the way. I could not put this book down. This author usually writes in the Amish romance genre but I really do like her contemporary romance stories. She is such a good writer that I might read some of her Amish novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opions are my own.

Great writing style

Cozy laidback and fun

Great characters, dialogue and chemistry

Small town vibes 🩵

Amy Clipston delivers another page turner! I devoured it in less than 24 hours - I just had to know the ending of Emily and Jake. Best friends since they were 5, the chemistry and deep connections could really be felt through her writing. Hallmark needs to scoop this up and do a movie ASAP! Loved everything about this book - highly recommend for a fun, heart warming and light read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

CANDY APPLE KISSES by AMY CLIPSTON is a sweet love story with quite a lot of tension caused by an ex -girlfriend arriving on the scene,, interfering parents and financial problems…….
The action takes place on the Hughes family apple farm with Jake Hughes asking his best friend, artist Emily Carmichael, to help him save the family legacy. A neighbouring apple farm is trying desperately to close the hundred year Hughes farm down…….
Jake and Emily have been inseparate friends since the age of five, with Jake being oblivious to Em’s feelings for him. He, in turn, is afraid of losing her friendship if he ever admits how he has always felt about her……..
This is a delightful novel about friendship and second chance romance and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson Publishers.. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Amy had us cheering for the characters from the first page as they worked their way through the struggles back to each other. Well done, Amy!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston is a sweet, cozy small town, second chance, friends to lovers, contemporary romance. I read anything that she writes. I was drawn in by Jake and Emily’s story on Splendid Lake. Great fall read. Nothing better than fall festivals, apples, pumpkins friends and love. Couldn’t put it down. Thank you to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction for this arc. This is my honest review.

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston was such a fun and heartwarming read. It’s a simple story in the best way, making it a quick and easy book to get through while still being completely enjoyable.

The overall tone felt light, sweet, and uplifting, leaving me with that happy, feel-good feeling by the end.

If you’re looking for a cozy, charming romance that’s easy to read and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, this is definitely one to pick up.

Great small town cozy vibes 💖

Love the characters,details and dialogue

Wonderful character chemistry and very cozy cute book

Great page turner

This was the perfect fall/autumn read! Such a cute, cozy second chance romance with yearning and the most beautiful small-town setting! I loved how the characters were written and the way they were developed throughout the story. It was the sweetest, most wholesome contemporary romance- highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

5 out of 5 stars
Fall Themed Closed Door Romance
Candy Apple Kisses is exactly what i want from a cozy, autumn‑themed romance. You have a small town friends to lovers romance with an orchard that needs saving. Emily returns to town to help Jake save his family's apple orchard. Their friendship deepens as they come up with a plan to help save it. I ran this book quickly because I just couldn't put it down. Its a great rainy day read.

I am a sucker for fall reading!! Fall is my favorite season so getting to read about it in the spring just made me sooo happy!!

The small town setting was perfect, the orchard vibes were unique, and the friends to lovers romance was adorable! Jake was so sweet and it matched the cozy atmosphere throughout the book. It was a super fun, cozy read that made me want apple cider asap!! I will definitely be doing a re-read in september when I am yearning for the cooler fall weather and vibes!

This is a sweet, feel good friends to lovers story.
While it wasn’t always easy, the path Emily and Jake took to their happily ever after was worth all the struggles. When Jake asks Em to come back to their home town to help him save his family orchard, the attraction between the two became a lot more than friendship. The characters were well developed and while I didn’t like them all, they all had a valuable impact on the story. The plot had everything I love in a romance- friendship, love, memories, and second chances. Great beach read
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

This was just a really cute cheesy book. I love a best friends to lovers and always will. This man was so stupid for not noticing her before but he got there eventually.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Candy Apple Kisses is a contemporary story by Amy Clipston. This story focuses on the Hughes Family Orchard as it struggles to prosper at it’s 100th year. Jake has called his best friend, Emily, to ask for her help. Not only is Jake struggling with the future of the orchard and family responsibilities, but he is also struggling with being able to move forward after breaking up with his long time girlfriend.

This is a very well written story that is easy to follow and imagine. The beginning moved a little slow for me, but I was able to get into it very quickly. There are so many good points to this story. Jake feels so committed to his family and the orchard that was started by his grandfather. Emily has been struggling to move on since the death of her parents and agrees to go back to Splendid Lake to help Jake. I just love how she is able to come up with all the ideas for the orchard. I like how she was able to get his father to go along with her ideas just by talking with him. I enjoyed how their friendship has been with them for so long and how they share so many things. I especially enjoyed how Emily was able to get back to her art and how that makes such a big difference for her and Jake. It’s hard not to feel for Jake as his ex-girlfriend will not accept his decision and goes to extremes to try to get him back. This is an enjoyable story to read.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

This was such a cozy, heartwarming fall romance that felt like wrapping up in a warm blanket with a cup of apple cider 🍂☕🍎. Set in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, the story follows Emily Carmichael as she returns to her hometown to help her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, save his family's beloved orchard from financial trouble.

Jake is determined to protect the orchard that has been in his family for generations, and with the farm's centennial celebration approaching, the pressure is mounting 🍏🌳. As Emily and Jake spend more time working together, old feelings that have been quietly tucked away for years begin to resurface. What was once a friendship starts feeling like something much more, and the chemistry between them grows sweeter with every page 💕✨.

Of course, nothing comes easy. Between the threat of a corporate developer, the unexpected return of Jake's ex-girlfriend, and the uncertainty surrounding the orchard's future, Emily and Jake have plenty of obstacles standing in their way 😬🍂.

What I liked 💕 was the cozy autumn atmosphere. The orchard setting was absolutely charming, and all the fall details made me want to visit immediately 🍎🎃. I also loved the friends-to-lovers romance. Emily and Jake already have a strong foundation and history together, which made their growing relationship feel natural and believable. The family themes and small-town community added even more warmth to the story.

Overall, this is a sweet, feel-good romance filled with friendship, family, second chances, and all the cozy fall vibes you could want 📚🍁✨. If you love small-town romances, apple orchards, and best friends discovering they've been in love all along, Candy Apple Kisses is the perfect autumn read 🍎❤️🍂.

This book was so entertaining! I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was a joy to read the story of the lives of Jake and Emily. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one by this author.

This is a sweet heartwarming romance that was a joy to read. Jake and Emily's story is a clean romance the holds your attention from the first page until the last. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a fun romantic read.
But life isn’t ever simple. Tensions, misunderstandings, and financial difficulties make life stressful.
The book title is cleverly entwined in the storyline.
The characters are well developed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Emily returns home to Splendid Lake to help her childhood best friend, Jake, save his family orchard. sweet story,

This book is a super sweet, no spice, HEA romance. From best friends to partners. Jake has some upset on his family orchard and reaches out to his childhood best friend, Emily, to get her help. Emily has her own personal turmoil to overcome and Jake becomes her rock.
Thank-you, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

If you love a friends to lovers in a small town book that doesn't have too much spice in it, Candy Apple Kisses is just for you. Emily Carmichael returns to her hometown, Splendid Lake, to visit her childhood best friend, James Hughes, after receiving a text from him that he needed help with something important. His family's orchard is in trouble when a competitor comes into town and Emily decides to do everything she can to help especially since she has had secret feelings for James since they were kids.

I immediately fell in love with the characters. Emily is such a fun, artistic, and spontaneous character, and James is the perfect gentleman who is willing to take the shirt off of his back for anyone. This book had so many relatable situations and events that kept me wanting to read more, including childhood memories, running into old friends, the loss of loved ones, family medical emergencies, losing hope, drama from an ex-girlfriend, not continuing to follow ones dreams, and so much more.

Will Emily declare her love to James? If she does, will he feel the same way? Will they save the orchard? Will Emily return home for good? You'll have to read to find out.

If you’re anything like me, it’s never too early for a “Fall” read! Thanks to @Thomasnelson for this eARC and ALC in exchange for my review. Congrats to Author Amy Clipston for this amazing fall read.

Candy Apple Kisses is a cozy, feel-good small town romance filled with nostalgia! It has it all, from the hometown ice cream shop, Scoops, to a family apple orchard and the discovery of what might become of lifelong friends Emily and Jake.

I loved the premise of Emily returning “home” to Splendid Lake to help Jake save his family’s struggling apple orchard from a competitors recent threat. As Emily’s ideas start to take form, jake is not only surprised at her creativity and artistic talent, but he’s seeing a different side of the little girl he once knew. Now almost 30 years old, they realize there might be more than just the banter that has existed for so long.
Standing in their way, is Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Claire, who still is insisting that she loves him no matter what, and she will do anything to prove it.

Best friends to lovers
Childhood friends
Slow burn
Small Town
Fall Harvest
Found family

I loved this heartwarming read with its sweet small town romance, family ties and “Fall” feels including Jake’s apple cider,and even his cat, Dusty!
If you appreciate a charming closed door romance, this one should be on top of your list for Fall!

Thank you NetGalley for this sweet clean ARC for my review. Emily returns home at Jake’s plea to help him save the the family orchard and plan a very special orchard anniversary. Little did she know Jake’s girlfriend, Claire, or really ex girlfriend would cause so much trouble including a fake surprise engagement. She isn’t giving up pulling out all the the stops. She isn’t giving up on their relationship. However, the real question is will Jake and Emily be able to finally profess their undying love for each other which has been a well kept secret for over 20years by Emily or will the ex drive too big of a wedge between Emily and Jake? And will Jake’s family orchard be saved? I highly recommend this book. I loved it.

Candy Apple Kisses is a sweet friends to lovers romance. Jake Hughes sends a text to his best friend Emily Carmichael, pleading with her to come home. His father has had a heart attack and he needs her help with the 100 year celebration of his family’s apple orchard. I loved Emily and Jake. I absolutely did not like Claire, Jake’s on and off girlfriend. Not so much because she was an obstacle, but she was evil. There were times I got so mad at his parents. His mother did not know how to read a room. I loved the ending. The first 20% was a little slow but after that, I could not put this book down. I’ve mostly read Amy Clipston’s Amish romances, but with this book, I am now a huge fan of her contemporary romances too. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was the first book I have read by Amy Clipston. I really loved it. It was sweet, romantic, and heartwarming. I can actually picture each scene take place. The ending was really good. I look forward to reading the next book that Amy Clipston writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers, let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely heartwarming storyline about second chances in life and romance.
Emily Carmichael has always loved her hometown named Splendid Lake and missed it when she left to spread her wings, so when her old school friend Jake messages her begging her to return to help him on his family’s apple farm she can’t help but pack her bag and jump in her car.
It turns out Jake’s family farm is underperforming and potentially going to have to be sold to a competitor who happens to also be taking their business in more than one way, but when Emily returns with multiple fresh ideas to increase the chance of saving the business James dad is less than optimistic as he is set in the family traditions and doesn’t like change - somehow Emily manages to persuade him to give her ideas a chance.
All seems to be going great until the tornado of James ex girlfriend turns up and doesn’t everything she could to try and win Jake back, in her eyes they are the perfect couple and deserve happiness - how wrong can she be and is so delusional that she invites both families and Emily to a meal to announce that Jake and herself are engaged. Happiness from both families and shock/ sadness and anger from Emily leaves Jake torn.

Amy Clipson writes a beautiful story of hope, love, and forgiveness that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

This book was amazing. It is set in a small town and has autumn vibes. It follows Emily and Jake who have been best friends from childhood. This book had the perfect combination of romance and emotional depth. I really liked the way the flaws of the characters were portrayed and the character development throughout the book. This was my first book from Amy Clipston and nevertheless it certainly won’t be my last.

I give my thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with this arc.

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston
This was such a cute and sweet story. Emily Carmichael is between jobs right now. She’s always wanted to be a professional artist but somehow, it seems to be just out of reach, especially after her parents died. So, when her childhood friend Jake asks her to come and help out in his family’s orchard in Splendid Lake, Emily jumps at the chance. Once she reaches there, she is reminded of old memories of her friendship with Jake, her parents and the childhood she once spent in Splendid Lake. Emily has always had a crush on Jake, but Jake already is in a relationship with Claire since high school…and my goodness! What a character that Claire turns out to be towards the end.
Anyway, Emily and Jake work really hard to save the Hughes Family Orchard from total ruin when a big company turns out to compete with them at every turn. Meanwhile Jake has a terrible time trying to get out of a confusing and demanding relationship, eventually finding himself stuck in a ridiculous drama created by his ex. Of course, Emily misunderstands and it breaks her heart. Well, one good thing comes out of the misunderstanding. When Emily wanders down to her childhood home to gather her thoughts, inspiration strikes and she comes up with a fantastic way to save the orchard. All’s well that ends well, I guess. The ending was very sweet, with love, forgiveness and understanding towards one another.
I really liked the title “Candy apple kisses” …it gives a warm, lovey dovey, autumn vibe. On the whole, very sweet and romantic story. Amy Clipston did a wonderful job.
Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC. #CandyAppleKisses #NetGalley

This was such a wonderful autumn romance read! I loved the friends-to-lovers storyline. I don't think we see enough of the ex who just won't let go of the relationship, so I was happy to see it in this storyline.

This is a sweet story about childhood friends that come together as adults and become a couple. They have a lot of challenges to overcome. It's a story about friendship, love, forgiveness and second chances. It's a good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #candyapplekisses #thomasnelsonfiction

If you're anything like me, it's never too early for a cozy fall read! Huge thanks to @ThomasNelson for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review, and congratulations to Amy Clipston on another wonderful story!

Candy Apple Kisses is everything I want in a cozy autumn romance. It honestly felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie with crisp fall air, apple orchards, small-town charm, and all the cozy vibes. I could practically smell the apple cider and hear the crunch of leaves under my boots!

Emily returns home to Splendid Lake to help her lifelong friend, Jake, save his family's struggling apple orchard from a competitor threatening everything they've worked so hard to build. Watching Emily bring fresh ideas to the orchard while Jake slowly realizes she's no longer the little girl he grew up with made my heart so happy. Their chemistry builds at just the right pace, making every little moment feel worth the wait.

And because every good romance needs a little drama, Jake's ex-girlfriend Claire isn't quite ready to let him go. Let's just say... she definitely keeps things interesting!

🍎 Childhood Friends
🍂 Best Friends to Lovers
🤎 Slow Burn Romance
🎃 Small-Town Charm
🍁 Apple Orchard
☕ Cozy Fall Vibes
❤️ Closed-Door Romance
👨‍👩‍👧 Found Family

One of my favorite things about this book was how cozy it felt. From Scoops, the hometown ice cream shop, to Jake's fresh apple cider and even his sweet cat, Dusty, every chapter wrapped me up like my favorite oversized sweater. This is the kind of book that makes you want to light your favorite pumpkin candle, grab a cozy blanket, and pretend it's October—even if it's 95 degrees outside.

If you're already counting down to sweater weather (or you're simply wishing for it!), go ahead and add Candy Apple Kisses to your fall TBR. This sweet, heartwarming romance is the perfect way to kick off cozy reading season, no matter what the calendar says.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️