Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

Coleman #5

by Katie Winters

Meghan's life and marriage are perfect -- until she discovers her husband's dark past. This thrusts her into a world of secrets, confusion, and previous resentments, leaving her to question: can anyone ever outrun themselves?

Meghan Coleman has been head-over-heels for her husband, Hugo, for twenty-seven years. But one afternoon a few weeks before Thanksgiving, she discovers a box of letters from his ex-fiancé, which illustrate a smoldering love, one he never mentioned in all their years together. Not long after that, she learns her children already knew about the ex-fiancé -- and kept it a secret. Tormented, she finds her world crumbling around her. Who can she trust?

In downtown Oak Bluffs, Daniel owns a failing bookstore, struggles to sign the divorce papers for his wife, and cares for his ailing mother, who suffers from dementia. Growing up, his mother was manipulative and cruel to him and his sister, resulting in both of them fleeing the island as soon as they could. The difference between himself and his sister, of course, is that he actually kept in contact with his mother and returned when she couldn't care for herself anymore. Lisa, on the other hand, abandoned everyone -- and they never heard from her again.

Through a chance encounter, Meghan and Daniel find one another in the midst of their private sorrows and support one another through thick and thin. It's been a long time since either of them had a friend they could count on quite like this -- and neither of them can believe their luck.

But more than that: they're far more connected than they think. Very soon, they find their stories coming together in a climactic ending -- one that will ultimately change Meghan and Daniel's families forever.

Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies is book five of The Coleman Series, a heart-wrenching yet hopeful family drama that unfolds between the glittering shores of Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Katie writes women's fiction and clean, wholesome contemporary romance. She looks to everyday, real-life family issues to weave stories of heartfelt emotions, love and loss, and everything in between.

Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.

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Reviews

[Kerry Wyszynski · Rating 2 out of 5]

could t get past the first bit….

Wow whimpy woman. Letters from before she even met her husband cause her to spiral out of control. Stopped reading about 20% in and then read the last 2 pages. Ick…. I’ll read on in the series but this one was insulting to all women

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed on par for this genre of book. I know it's bittersweet & is supposed to have a happy ending, but it was a little too cheesy for me at times.
I did like the twist that happened a little over halfway through, & thought it moved the story along a little better.
As far as characters go, I didn't really like Megan at all. Everyone kept saying what a great person & friend she was, but she just seemed like an ass to me. She didn't talk to her husband about anything & instead just let herself stew. Also, she's made out to be a great mom but treated her kids like garbage when she got upset with them & shut them out. Then she just chalked everything up to just being stressed & worried about the situation...which could have been completely avoided if she just talked to her husband from the beginning.
The friendship between Megan & Daniel also just rubbed me the wrong way & I don't really see how they became such "close friends" in such a short amount of time.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn Skies& Pumpkin Pies

This was such an emotional family dynamic of shattered hearts that began to heal and dreams of new beginnings. The characters are loyal, secretive, friendly. I have really enjoyed the Coleman family, friends and community. This series has a lot of every day life issues we all experience and or know someone who has and that makes these books so relatable , interesting and enjoyable. Enjoy

[Linda Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will fall in love with Katie Winters series of "The Coleman Family"

After reading the first book, I was hooked on Martha's Vineyard and how Katie weaves dramatic stories that are true to life. You laugh with The Coleman Family and share in their sorrows. I hope you fall in love with this series as much as have.

[Deborah Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

The characters in this story were very well developed. The pain that an emotionally destructive parent can have on a child through adulthood was realistic and undeniable. The story also showed that these things can be overcome. I'm also a sucker for a good ending!

[naomi ashcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series started reading about the Coleman family in the book merry and bright

This series is about a wealthy family who have loads of issues but make it thru them an come out stronger. I look forward to the next book

[JRL · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was something so comfy and cozy about this book! I had such a lovely time with it. I’ve read so many duds this year but this one just hit the spot. I’ll definitely be checking out more of this author’s work.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family

I am enjoying this series very much. It is about a large family and their situations that they have to deal with! Each book is about a member, and still carries the rest of the family along. Good read, enjoy! Now on to the next book!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t like it as much as the others because I thought the storyline was kinda of out there, with the main character Meghan jumping to conclusions, without giving it away to someone who’s reading it. I did like the end how it came together and look forward to the next one

[Kathleen Abeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Author writes beautiful story. I enjoy reading this waiting for Book 6. Cannot. Wait until I see what the Coleman's are up to.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Cindy Guyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! All about family and forgiveness! Lesson learned open up and talk don't let it fester in your mind.

[Joan W. Billheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series. Love them all.

[Connie Fletcher-Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story

Interesting story of family love, struggles and dysfunctions.
The Coleman's just expand and develop! Thank you for creating such realistic characters.

[Lynsee Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gives old soap opera vibes. It felt like being home sick from school and trying to remember who was who on your mom's midday shows.

[Gloria Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting story of love.

Made you wonder at first if their love would survive and the wonderful way that it did! Very exciting story!

[Pamala Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series!

Good series, and book! I'm normally bored with long series, but still really enjoying this series, the characters and all the life situations that co.e their way!

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martha Vineyard MA….
Meghan finds old love letters of Hugo (her husband).he was engaged and never told her. She gets mad, upset, insecure…then thinks he still loves her and then she thinks she disappeared and may Hugo has something to do with it. She at a bar and Mets Daniel, a bookstore owner. They become friends, he’s going through a divorce and she’s having problems. No Romance just friendship. David ends up being the brood Lisa Hugo’s ex that disappeared. She tells him what she knows and thinks. And the book club (gossip club) over hears and starts rumors. Lisa calls on thanksgiving, she comes to MV he tells Meghan they have them over for dinner all works out.
I didn’t like that Meghan was so stupid and didn’t just talk to her husband. But I loved the family dynamic David taking care of He’s mom with dementia, he’s daughter came to stay with him and he got to be a grandpa. Meghan and all the coldmans clan made it worth the read.

[Kat Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 5 about Megan was not my favorite. I over the ending with resolutions and the lessons in forgiveness, but I personally was disappointed that Megan’s character seemed to go off the rails the way she did. I think I just thought she would have approached the situation differently, with faith in the goodness of her long years of marriage and the power found in discussion together revealing thoughts, questions, and insecurities. As I said, the ending was beautiful, just the long period of anger and suspicion made it difficult for me to want to finish.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Not just a love story but a mystery that Meghan has to figure out! She isn’t sure about her husbands past and wonders if their whole marriage was built on lies. She has to find out who Lisa is and when she does it’s shocking! Along the way her family struggles and she has to figure out how to trust and love again. Really great book and such a fun read.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling ambivalent about this story. The ending was good and insightful; however, the actions of Meghan seemed unrealistic to me. I understand the way her actions gave way to the story, but I don’t think a women of her age, a mother and strong business woman didn’t have a more assertive reaction to the issue.

[Mollie Hildreth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to leave the past in the past

Another truly lovely story from "Katie"
Following further the Coleman family into another struggle with another of one couple's problems. I like her descriptions of the places and emotions seen and felt by the 'actors' in this book. I definately recommend this book as I enjoy the series. It is definitely "chicken lit" but I enjoyed that..

[Donna Kale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t my favorite of the series but it was good!