Candy Apple Kisses, I just love the title. The book begins like many Hallmark-type stories - a struggling artist returns to her hometown. From there were taken on a thoughtful journey or realistic characters and second chance romance. With many twists and turns, Candy Apple Kisses, will bring some pumpkin spice into your reading life and have you longing for fall with its crisp leaves, warm sweaters, and spicy drinks.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

this was the cutest fall romance I had ever read it was so stinking adorable I really enjoyed it so much and had a lovely time listening to it.

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 🍎❤️🍂.

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for this ALC (Advanced Listener Copy). The following are my own and honest thoughts.

I give 5 stars for books that make me feel lots of things and this book did that. I was on an emotional roller coaster. I got angry, frustrated, giddy, and smiling like a dork sometimes.

I enjoyed the friends to lovers trope, especially with the ex girlfriend in the mix even if I did not like her. I really wanted Jake to step it up in certain situations. His hesitation drove me crazy. Luckily, he made up for lost time.

I always love the small town atmosphere. The sense of community and support is so nice & sweet.

The ending was super cute and I loved how everything unfolded.

Okay...this book was SO cute! I loved it so much! I am a huge fan of small town romances and this second chance romance was beautifully written! I was totally rooting for Emily & Jack the entire time.

The narration was great! I always knew who was speaking, which makes for a fun ride!

I had the pleasure of receiving the alc via Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio.

This book is exactly the kind of cozy romance thats perfect to curl up with on a crisp fall afternoon! Between the small town charm, autumn vibes, and sweet romance, this book felt like strolling through a harvest festival with a warm drink! Amy Clipston creates such a comforting atmosphere that I could practically smell the cider and pumpkin treats!

Now, let’s talk about Emily and Jake! I spent most of the book quietly (ok… maybe not so quietly) rooting for them to finally figure things out! Their journey had just the right mix of tension, and friendship that make you want to just nudge them together already. The romance is wholesome, the setting is delightful, and the entire story feels fall! Plus! I love that the only "spice" you'll find in this book is pumpkin kind!

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own

Candy Apple Kisses is a sweet, charming, feel-good story with all the fall vibes. Ironically, I read it on one of the hottest days of the year so far, but the whole way through I craved the cool fall breeze, the changing colors of the leaves, warm apple cider and the crisp smell in the air.

This is a story of love, family, found family, partnership and community. With such realistic and flawed characters, it is so easy to connect with and find yourself rooting for them. Of course, no story would be complete without a little drama to shake things up!

This cozy, clean, small town, second chance romance was like a warm hug!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the gifted copy of this audiobook. A job well done by the production team. Narrator Brittany Goodwin was positively delightful. It was so easy to get lost in her voice and the story.

Summer has just barely started and this book has me feeling all the fall vibes. Absolutely loved everything about this cozy fall romance.

This audiobook was a delightful read, perfect for when the weather begins to cool and the leaves begin to turn in autumn. Both main characters will have you falling in love with them and rooting for their happiness, which the main antagonist will have you shaking your fist and gritting your teeth. Clipston did a wonderful job bringing the is story to life and I see a re-read in my future!

Candy Apple Kisses is a delightful, cozy romance that captures everything readers love about autumn-themed love stories. Amy Clipston creates an inviting small-town setting filled with apple orchards, harvest festivals, and close-knit community bonds, while Emily and Jake’s friends-to-lovers relationship develops naturally and authentically. Their chemistry is sweet, heartfelt, and easy to root for from the very first chapter.

Fans of clean romance will appreciate the book’s warmth, emotional depth, and uplifting message about following your dreams while embracing the people who truly support you. With charming characters, beautiful fall atmosphere, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, Candy Apple Kisses is the perfect comfort read for anyone who enjoys wholesome romance with plenty of heart.