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 was a fantastic cozy book with all the fall vibes. Such a clean romance. Great narrator I loved the story line.

This was such a sweet and cozy fall romance. I loved Jake and Emily together, and watching their friendship turn into something more made my heart so happy. The orchard setting, small-town charm, and autumn vibes were perfect, and I didn't want the story to end. If you love friends-to-lovers romances, this one is definitely worth reading.

This was the perfect fall romance read. Small town, returning home, cozy romance. Emily has returned to her hometown, her best friend Jake is struggling with the family business and his sick father. With a big corporation taking over a neighboring apple orchard, Emily and Jake create a business plan to compete with the lower prices and “family affair” the big corporation is advertising. Emily has long hidden her true feelings for Jake. As the two realize that they both harbor feelings, Jake’s ex girlfriend shows up and throws a wrench in their plans. To make things worse, the grand opening of the orchard doesn’t go as planned. This is a great “early” fall contemporary romance read. If you enjoy a no spice romance, this is definitely worth a read, highly recommended.

BRITTANY GOODWIN WAS EXCELLENT.

Can be read as a standalone. May have characters that overlap with other books.
Best friends since childhood.
She left everything out of grief.
He's determined to stay and hopes she'll return.
An ex that won't accept it's over.
She falls first

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!

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.

I received a complimentary audio copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston was an enjoyable audiobook from beginning to end. I was especially drawn to this story because it centers around an orchard, and as someone who has an orchard, that setting immediately caught my attention. Friends-to-more is also one of my favorite romance tropes, so this book had a lot of elements that appealed to me.

Emily’s return to Splendid Lake and her reunion with Jake made for a sweet and engaging story. I enjoyed watching their longtime friendship grow into something deeper as they worked together to help save his family’s orchard. The orchard setting added warmth and charm to the story, and the family and community themes made it an easy book to settle into.

The narration by Brittany Goodwin was enjoyable and helped bring the characters and setting to life. She captured the emotions well and made for a pleasant listening experience.

If you enjoy Christian romance, friends-to-more relationships, family businesses, and small-town settings, I think you’ll enjoy this one. It was a sweet, heartwarming story with likable characters and a satisfying romance. I really liked it and would happily recommend it.

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.

This was such a sweet story! If you love clean small town romance, a friends to lovers trope, and fall vibes, add this to your tbr. Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for the audio copy via NetGalley. I loved it! It was so cute!!!

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 book warmed my soul. It was so sweet! I loved the way we got to watch Jake fall in love with Emily. I also loved the way Jake and his family trusted Emily to save the Apple orchard with all her ideas. The back and forth banter was wonderful and Claire just had to be Claire 🙄. I'm so happy that Emily was able to let go and find her artistic flow again, while Jake and his dad were able to finally trust and connect. I finished the book and had to go back and finish it again it to was so good.

loved this book . It’s for all of us who grew up with the hallmark channel but also to bring a new set of readers . This is a best friends to more and u required love all tied up in a pretty bow. I loved their story . Sometimes the one you find first is the one you are meant to find and you save the best for last as the song says.
I loved them but I really despised Claire and she took mean girl to a whole new level and won’t take no for an answer.
Him and Claire dated for years but if things were meant than they would have tied the knot sooner but she won’t believe it’s over when he ends things .
He invites his bestie back home and they have instant chemistry and in a way where they fit like a glove and without the awkward spaces. They grew up together but then she left after losing her parents. .
They need to save his orchard to compete with the new guys in town. She supports him while Claire wanted him to find someone else to run it for him . Time is running out but what they really need is a prayer .

A kisses-only romance for readers who love best-friends-to-more and cozy autumn vibes! 🍁

There is just something about best friends who’ve known each other forever and know everything about each other that makes the perfect foundation for love!
I especially love how Jake and Emily support each other’s dreams and help each other through every struggle & setback. Hearing both POV made it extra swoony. 🫠

Plus, I can’t resist a small town setting - and add in all the Fall vibes? I’m obsessed. 🍁

In addition to the love story, we get all the excitement of trying to save the orchard, with some conflict coming from Jake’s strained relationship with his father and pressure from an aggressive competing corporation - with constant setbacks and escalating stakes. Bring it on!🍎

AND the ex-girlfriend drama something else! Wow! She was … I have no words. Bless her heart. There are definitely no boring moments when she is around. 😆

If you like your books in audiobook form- the narrator of this one knocked it out of the park! 🎧

Content triggers:
- loss of family members (past)
- dad heart-attack (past)
- dad health problems
- toxic / manipulative ex

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston is a sweet small-town, friends to lovers romance.

Emily Carmichael returns to Splendid Lake. She left because it was too painful with all the memories of her parents and life there. But when her best friend, Jake Hughes, asks for her help on the family apple orchard she doesn't think twice.

The Hughes family is her second family. Jake not only wants to save the orchard but prove to his dad that he's ready to take it over. Emily would do anything to help save their orchard and celebrate the 100th anniversary. Emily has had romantic feelings for Jake for years. But she's put those aside because he's been with Claire.

If you enjoy a small town romance, you should give this one a read.

It is narrated by Brittany Goodwin. She did a nice job. Thank you NetGalley and ThomasNelson Fiction for this advanced copy in exchange of my honest review.

5⭐️ Absolutely adorable with good grief representation. I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers. This was so fun as Jake and Emily reunite to save his family orchard. Jake has just broken up with his on again, off again girlfriend, Claire. This time it’s over, but Claire doesn’t seem to think so. Emily has quit her barista job and teaching art classes. While she’s nervous to go back home, she needs to find her muse again. She will have to open up to work through her grief. Emily’s feeling will come back full force for Jake. They never really went away though. Jake will start to see Emily in a new way as his attraction slowly builds. 5⭐️ narration from Brittany Goodwin. She is phenomenal, and I can’t wait to listen to more from her. She fed you Emily and Jake anxiety, their tension, and true beauty as characters. Claire too was represented just how she was supposed to be without spoiling too much.

Thank you so much to @thomasnelson @netgalley and @amy_clipston for the gifted audiobook.

This book is a chef's kiss! Amy Clipston has done it again with "Candy Apple Kisses" and I absolutely adored the narrator. She did a fabulous job!

Amy Clipston does romance like no-other!

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston is a feels-good sweet romance that is sure to leave you smiling in the end. Emily has loved her best friend Jake ever since she was 5 when she appeared in his family's orchard and told him that he was her bff, whether he liked it or not. When her parents died and she could no longer stomach seeing Jake with his long-time girlfriend, Claire - Emily packs up and moves away.

Now home to help save the orchard, her feelings are just as strong as they ever were and now Jake is single and he begins to see his bff in a whole new light. Can Emily and Jake find a path together and save the orchard or will Claire stop at nothing to get Jake back, no matter the cost?

This was such a sweet and cozy fall romance! It had all the charm, warmth, and feel-good moments I love in a seasonal read. I had the best time listening to this one and found myself smiling throughout. Definitely a cute, easy-to-enjoy story that was perfect for the fall season.