Valerie Bowman’s The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a charming small-town romance brimming with autumn vibes, cozy orchard settings, and a classic opposites-attract dynamic. Perfect for fans of The Lovelight Series or The Pumpkin Spice Café, it offers a warm, seasonal escape into love, family, and rediscovery.
The Story
Ellie Lawson thought she had her life figured out in the city, but a double blow—being dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job—sends her back to her hometown on Long Island. Seeking solace at her parents’ Honeycrisp Orchard Inn, she expects quiet recovery. Instead, she finds herself sharing the attic apartment with Aiden, the attractive yet stubborn son of a neighboring orchard owner.
When their parents team them up to co-host the annual Harvest Festival, Ellie and Aiden are forced to work side by side. Between their clashing personalities, late-night planning sessions, and undeniable chemistry, tension turns to sparks. The future of the inn and orchard rests in their hands, but so does the possibility of something deeper between them.
What Works
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its setting. The orchard and small-town backdrop are vividly described, filled with crisp fall air, apple picking, pumpkin treats, and cozy festival scenes that practically beg to be read with a cup of cider in hand. Readers who love seasonal reads will find themselves swept into the atmosphere.
The romance between Ellie and Aiden balances playful banter with heartfelt moments, delivering the forced-proximity tension that many readers crave. Aiden, in particular, stands out as a lovable and grounded character, bringing warmth and charm to the story. The sense of family and community woven throughout makes this more than just a romance—it’s also about belonging and starting over.
Fans have especially enjoyed:
- The heartwarming autumn setting
- Banter-filled forced proximity romance
- Themes of family, resilience, and rediscovery
- A lovable male lead who balances seriousness with humor
Where It Falters
While the cozy atmosphere shines, not all readers connected with Ellie. Some found her frustrating, especially in her assumptions about her parents’ forgetfulness, which occasionally came across as insensitive. The pacing also felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging while others rushed forward. For those hoping for deeper character exploration, the story may feel a little light in emotional depth.
Final Thoughts
The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn is a cozy, feel-good romance that delivers exactly what it promises: small-town charm, autumn nostalgia, and a slow-blooming relationship set against the magic of an apple orchard. Though not without its flaws, it’s a delightful seasonal escape for readers who want warmth, sweetness, and just enough tension to keep the pages turning.
If you’re craving a romance that feels like fall in book form, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
Grab your copy here: Buy The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn on Amazon
