Apples in the Fall: A Small Town, Found Family, Cozy Romance

by Laney Lockett

They’ve said ‘I do’ but will they get their happily ever after?

Aurora’s parents are done with her questionable life choices, which unfortunately includes her young daughter, Mila, and new husband, Quinn. She’s worked hard to build her leased orchard to provide a solid life for her daughter. Now, she has the chance to own the orchard – will she be successful with Quinn at her side? Will they get the apple harvest they need in the fall?

Quinn loves being Aurora’s husband but is fighting an old feud with his brother. He knows Aurora values family over all else, but can he set aside the differences to reconcile? Is it worth it? Will Aurora ever get a chance at reconciliation with her own parents?

Come to small-town living amongst the apple orchards of eastern Washington to find out in this steamy, cozy romance novella by Laney Lockett.

Genres: Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jan Agaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quinn & Aurora are super cute, but simply can never get behind "juices" & "folds" in steamy scenes. however, a couple were decently done, & I liked how the story ended. a lot happened in a short time so I think this would've benefitted from being longer, which I don't say often, but the family drama could've been easily expanded upon if this were to be a full-blown novel.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short sweet, and to the point novella! It was cute, and fun! I feel like the author crammed a bit too much into such a short novella but the characters were very fun to get to know. I will say starting the book off with a wedding made me feel like I missed something from the jump, but the spice was pretty good!

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read

This had quite the gamut of emotions. Ms. Lockett did a great job of navigating them. From the hard, sad scenes to the funny, eggplant Bachelorette party ideas. Her twist on this beautiful story was lovely.

[Erin Nott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt very much like it could be a halmark christmas movie, but for harvest season. The romance bit is sorted out at the beginning, but the couple has some family drama to comb through and the big "will the farm survive" angst. A pretty light hearted read (with some spice sprinkled in).

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a quick read for me. This book is about Aurora and Quinn. Aurora is a single mom who married Quinn at the beginning. As you read, you get to follow Aurora and Quinn as they deal with family issues, owning an apple orchard and raising a little girl.
I loved the characters in this book. They were well developed and dealt with issues the everyday person has. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a quick spicy read.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Single mom Aurora is getting married, and she couldn't be happier. Everything is on the up and up with her and Quinn. He is so loving to her daughter Mia, and he is working with Aurora to do everything they can to get an excellent crop this season. It's not like everything is perfect, though. Quinn isn't talking to his brother and Aurora's parents pretty much don't support her or have anything to do with her or Mia. She is their only daughter and they have been disappointed with several of her choices including her choice to work in agriculture.
If the crop is what they are hoping for, they will have enough money to buy the property and their home. If not, they will be homeless. When a family emergency sends Aurora to be with her parents Quinn is left to take care of crop and work crew. Will their crop earn them enough to buy the property? Will Aurora and Quinn finally make peace with their respective families?
This was a super quick read that I read in one day. I love the idea of going for your own dreams even if it means disappointing family. I enjoyed Aurora's character she is strong and will do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true. The love scenes are detailed and spicy. Even though her relationship seems a little to good to be true, it was good that the author balanced it out with some difficult realistic family relationships.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smile-making cozy romance read that starts, uniquely, with a wedding. The writer creates an ever deepening love story with the couple, together, facing their life's challenges. I found myself feeling that I was in the story right next to the characters, due to the engaging dialogue to tell of emotions, history, and relationships. The style is pithy - effectively using few words to describe thoughts and insights. This makes the story always moving forward with, happily, spicy passion happening at any time. Aurora and Quinn are people you'd want to know and hang out with in the setting of an apple orchard. This is a winner in all ways and I can't wait for her next book. Thank you for the early copy.

[Kasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to start my August on a good note, after some stressful family time, and this book could not have come at a better time!

Apples In The Fall is a low-stakes cozy romance. Which means that there is no conflict between our MCs and the obstacles come from outside. Which was ideal for my mental state when I started reading. I needed a warm hug and got it from Aurora, Quinn and Mila! 🤗

The book starts with their wedding and since the beginning, they’re a team, they’re inseparable and solve all problems together ❤️

Low stakes doesn’t mean no drama though! There’s family drama, and business issues, and dangerous accidents that will make you worry for our characters and their fate.

Oh and let’s not forget the spice! You’d not expect it from such a sweet read, but it surprises you in the best way! A special kudos to the author for the v!brat0r scene. I can definitely see the potential for (k!nky) great things in the future 😉😉

Laney does a great job at layering the atmosphere of the orchard. I’m not a country person at all, and even I was enchanted by the descriptions of the Valley View. The setting and the mood are executed very well.

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️

Now, considering it’s a novella, there was not much space for conflict in the book. So I’d like to make a request: I want a full novel! I’ve read Apples In The Fall, and I’ve read the short story about how Quinn and Aurora met. I can see so much potential in the writing! If I’m allowed to make a request — and if I’m not I’ll still make it 😝 — I’d like to see how Aurora and Quinn’s story developed, what they had to overcome for their happy ending. And if not them, then Brian — he’s the dark horse in the book, we don’t know much about him except that he’s a forever bachelor. I’d love to read his story too!

Thanks so much to the author for this ARC!

[JennyGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet, guaranteed HEA for your hero and heroine, this is the book for you!

You can feel Aurora and Quinn's love from the very beginning and I loved that the story starts with their wedding. Instead of seeing the beginning of their love story, you get to see the beginning of their lives as husband and wife and how they navigate the struggles of owning an apple orchard and everything that goes with being a harvester.

This is a great debut novel from the amazing Laney Lockett and I highly recommend it!

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Short Book

This was the first time, I read her book. I read this book in one sitting . Love Aurora, Quinn and her daughter Mila. This was a quick read. This was an cozy, steamy, Sweet romance, wonderful characters, romance. I read this while I was drinking my coffee. I will definitely, read more , of her books.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick sweet fall read.

[Adrienne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing love story

Wow what a story the way the whole story laid out was great! I hope this has a book to follow so we can find out what happens after the epilogue!

[Timeless TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cuteness and cozy vibes this gave me is unreal! So happy to have had the opportunity to read this. Loved it! 💕

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful small town cozy, sweet, steamy, and a quick read! A must read! Enjoyed reading this heartwarming book of Aurora and Quinn along with her daughter Mila making a life in an apple orchard!

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora and Quinn are newlyweds intent on starting a new life for themselves and her daughter. To that end, they are working together on the operation of an orchard with an option to buy. If the fall harvest is successful, they will have the money to buy the orchard, but if it is not, then they could be left homeless. Both have high hopes, at least on the surface, and are not afraid of hard work. Unfortunately, what they don’t have is the support some of their family members. Her parents have been disappointed with her past choices and are not happy with her choice of Quinn or going into the agricultural business. They had wanted Aurora to follow them into the banking business, and have made their displeasure known, even to the point of not attending the wedding. Quinn’s grandfather is very happy to welcome Aurora and Mila to the family and supports them in their efforts with the orchard. However, Quinn is at odds with his brother and they two have stopped talking altogether after a particularly bitter fight about the family orchard. Quinn left the orchard and his brother, but now his expertise is being put to hood use again with Aurora.

As their story continues, Aurora and Quinn face a few bumps and obstacles ahead. They are also both dealing with hurt feelings with regards to their families, hoping for reconciliation, but not really sure how to achieve it or believing it will happen. Then they discover that being family means letting go of the hurt, reaching out and offering support, understanding and unconditional love. Their story is touching, sweet with a dose of spice and an engaging read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun entrée into cozy romance by new author Laney Locket! I cannot emphasize enough how enjoyable it is to read a book (or, in this case, a novella) where there is no tension between main characters. It's just SO enjoyable when you're rooting for your main characters who are figuring life out together.

I really loved the imagery that went into describing the life that Aurora and Quinn have built. You are rooting for them from the get-go. You can tell Laney is a parent because she absolutely gets what life with a young kid is like for Aurora. I also loved the steamy scenes which offered some explorations I haven't seen in many other mainstream romance or chick-lit novels I've read -- I'm hungry for more.

Similar to other reviewers I can't wait to read future project from Laney Locket that is full book size! I'd also love to see these characters again in the future and know how their life is unfolding.

Thanks to the author for an ARC. My first!

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by this author and it won't be my last. It's a super quick novella that will keep you glued to the pages and on the edge of your seat. And I loved reading every minute of it.

Aurora and Quinn's relationship was beautiful, it was wonderful watching them navigate life and the challenges it threw at them. The way he stepped up to the plate as a father to Mila and the love he had for her was heartwarming.

Once I started I just couldn't put it down I was so engrossed in their story. Their relationship is solid and can withstand anything thrown their way.

It's filled with drama, love, romance, spice , family and loads more. The characters and storyline where amazingly written. The author captured the beauty wonderfully.

I can't wait to read more by Laney. Highly recommend!

[Jaime Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. This is a sweet love story. I love the storyline and the characters. I love that while this is a fictional story, it’s very well something that could happen in real life. I love the chemistry between Aurora and Quinn. It is super palatable, and you can tell how much they love each other. I love the dynamic they have as a family, and how Mila, Aurora’s daughter, is very present in the story. There is some tension in this story which keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’m ready to read more books by Laney Lockett!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what you like I may not.

Happy reading!

[Heather Arbuckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline was unique in that it started with the wedding and then what life is like for Quinn and Aurora after. The Author did a good job of creating the world the story took place in. I missed that their meeting wasn't in the book but otherwise was a very interesting. I would hear more stories by this author.

[Toni ~married to a hunk~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Quinn and Aurora. Aurora is getting married to Quinn and she owns an apple orchard. If this years harvest goes well they will own it all the themselves.

This story shows that family is important and that trying to fix things can work out for the best.

This is a cute fall story to read that is fast paced.

[Sally Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet, fun read. Congrats, Laney, on your first book! Looking forward to reading the next.

[Maya Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book by the exciting new author Laney Lockett. Very cozy, feel good vibes, paints a beautiful picture of the Pacific NW. Looking forward to hearing more from this author!

[Princesspint · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow-burned read. Very little spicy parts. Was a good read. Would of loved more spicy parts.

[Amanda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this author and it was really good. It was small town with a family owned business but everything didn't go completely smooth. There were bumps in the road for this family but they learned how to adjust and be there for each other no matter what. I loved Quinn's relationship with Mila...he stepped in the stepdad role perfectly.

[Brianna LeClere · Rating 2 out of 5]

so much potential

There is so much potential for this story line but most of the story was very surface level. A good quick read but I felt like I was missing a lot of the story.

[Crystal Ecklund · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story. It was good to see that each of the families became stronger. It helped that Aurora had strong family values.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay story, just not the greatest.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read. We followed Aurora and Quin during a crucial harvest season of Valley View. It was a slightly spicy, but was a reali life read.