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Once Upon a Pumpkin Spice Latte

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My best friend may be a bona fide prince, but I have never, even once, wanted to be his princess. I would rather kiss a rotted-out pumpkin at the Punkin' Chunkin' than kiss Hart…

Hildegarde Bittersweet is loyal to the max, responsible to a fault, and an-almost-40 year old who has put her dreams on hold long enough. She still lives in her hometown of Pumpkin Pond, New Hampshire, running her family’s maid service and making sure her Papa's dying wish comes to bring his Peter Pumpkin Spice into the flavor world.

Prince Harcourt "Hart" of Hedgerow is admirably kind, unfailingly thoughtful, and dodging his royal responsibilities for as long as he possibly can. He comes to Pumpkin Pond to host the Fall Ball to celebrate when his ancestors discovered the town almost 350 years ago. He also comes because of royal he must wed a wife before his 35th birthday.

At least it won’t be all drudgery and duty. His best friend Hildy will be there, his long-distance best friend for the last 25 years.

When Hart comes up with plan to avoid the tiara chasers, it includes Hildy. But unbeknownst to Hart, his country’s bylaws have changed, and he inadvertently sets into motion the one thing he has avoided his entire taking a wife.

This is a standalone rom com with mild language, romantic tension, and sassy dialogue. The story is meant to be read with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand (or similar, if subpar, comfort drink).

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2023

161 people are currently reading
694 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Strand

11 books21 followers
Sydney Strand has been writing novels for the last nine years. This is her first independently published book. Previously, she wrote young adult novels, written under another name, which were published by a Big Name Publisher.

She currently lives in New England with her husband, children, and two moody cats. She enjoys all that Colonial America has to offer. Namely, craft shows and pie festivals. She hopes to one day enter an apple pie contest because, as she's been told, she has an apple pie recipe to die for. Literally. It has three sticks of butter in it.

You can Friend, Pin, Tweet, or Instagram her, as well as visit her website for her monthly reader contest, Oh Goody, Goody GOODIES!

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5 stars
37 (14%)
4 stars
75 (29%)
3 stars
91 (35%)
2 stars
42 (16%)
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8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Kayleigh Conn.
54 reviews
October 26, 2024
Cute, sweet and a simple retelling of Cinderella with a Pumpkin Spice and friendship twist.
Profile Image for Sarah Nolan.
169 reviews14 followers
December 31, 2023
This whimsical story was filled with love, friendship, and lots of pumpkin spice!

I was initially captivated with this book simply by its cover and synopsis but ended up enjoying the story and characters as well.

Hildegarde Bittersweet has been stuck living in her hometown of Pumpkin Pond, NH and has spent the last few years of her life perfecting her father’s Peter Pumpkin Spice recipe. She is hired by the mayor of Pumpkin Pond to escort Prince Hartcourt of Hedgerow for the Fall Ball weekend activities and somehow she ends up being Hartcourt’s only desirable candidate for becoming his princess. And she doesn’t know how to feel about that.

Hartcourt is next in line as Crown Prince to the principality of Hedgerow, and upon his 35th birthday he must find a wife. After spending years avoiding marriage, Hartcourt returns to Pumpkin Pond for its annual Fall Ball weekend, and finds himself uninterested in all of the women obsessed with becoming his princess. The only woman he actually wants to see is his pen pal turned long distance best friend Hildegarde, and he can’t deny that something about their friendship and relationship is different this time. And he doesn’t mind that one bit.

Through some whimsical settings, misunderstandings, pumpkin spice galore, and the power of friendship turning into something more, this lovely and cozy story is one that will bring a smile to your face (it did for me several times throughout the book). If you are looking for a quick, fun, cozy and full of pumpkin spice read, this one is perfect!
Profile Image for nasaplant.
33 reviews
May 31, 2024
3.5/3.75 ⭐️ !!

hart is honestly a sweetheart, i gained a soft spot for him since the start & the vibes of this book is there coming from someone who doesn’t know how pumpkin spice tastes like 🥹 very fall autumn indeed!

the plot didn’t took a diff turn than i’ve expected… most of the time nth much was happening & it’s a race against time of ‘when will she accept him’ 🏃🏻‍♀️

my BIGGEST pet peeve is tons of pumpkin talk & quirky-ness (hilda) & how hart seem to do MORE EVERYTIME even up till the end… does she love him?
Profile Image for Allison.
169 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
What a charming and funny modern royal love story. I admittedly picked this book up because of the adorable title and my love for all things pumpkin and autumn. But the storyline kept me in ‘can’t put it down’ mode. Hildy and Hart’s relationship was so perfectly done and I loved reading this book.
Profile Image for Liz | lizzuplans.
559 reviews40 followers
December 27, 2023
I love a royal romance, especially when it is set in a small town and there is a lot of mention of cute seasonal things.

Unfortunately this book did not do it for me.

The story was sweet, but dragged on a lot. Almost halfway through the story it felt as if nothing had really happened and this feeling did not motivate me to continue reading.
The Cinderella angle was not my favourite and while it was what attracted me to this book in the first place, the amount of pumpkin spice was too much– the late father’s recipe subplot fell flat for me.

I did like Hilda and Hart’s meeting as children and how their friendship developed, but I did not feel the romance. Perhaps because I was too distracted by all the secondary characters and their story lines.

Looooooved the cover. Very cosy!

I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Profile Image for Heather Kelley.
414 reviews6 followers
October 13, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is my first time reading this author, but it won’t be the last. The prologue of this book starts out “ HARTCOURT GISELBERT WILLEM CONRAD LEOPOLD, PRINCE OF THE HEDGEROW PRINCIPALITY, WAS ARGUING WITH A PUMPKIN.” I mean if that doesn’t just grab your attention. The scene is 25 years ago when the prince was 10, and 15 year old Hildegarde is the one who is witnessing this event. She tries to stay silent, but crunches on some leaves and her presence is made known. They have a conversation and the prince asks if they can become pen pals so he can practice his English. 25 years later they have remained friends, even become best friends, but now the Prince is being forced to follow the archaic rules of his principality and get married before he turns 35. It was supposed to be when he turned 40, but his dad has decided to step down, so now he’s run out of time. His dad has sent him on a tour of sorts to find his wife. He’s in their sister city of Pumpkin Pond, where his bff Hildegarde lives and he is more excited about spending time with her than trying to find a wife. Since Hildegarde has known the prince for 25 years, she’s the only girl in her small town that isn’t dreaming of a tiara and tripping over herself to try to be his wife. She doesn’t even plan on attending the Ball, she knows he’ll understand. But he saves the last dance for her, just in case she does show up. With a little help from her girl bff, well more like forcing, Hilda does show up to the Ball and dance that last dance. The last dance means that they have to do a 3 day courtship afterward. But what neither of them know, is that the rules have changed and they are supposed to get married at the end of those 3 days. Hartcourt is furious with his dad, and he doesn’t know how he’ll tell Hildegarde. What transpires over those 3 days is a roller coaster of emotions and events. No spoilers on how this ends, you’ll have to read to find out. I enjoyed this story. If it wasn’t a school night I would’ve stayed up to finish it in one day. I hope there is a sequel one day!
184 reviews5 followers
October 12, 2023
Yes, I am one of those people who like pumpkin spice, hence my desire to read this very fun book by Sydney Strand. Hilda our overly tall heroine is tasked with perfecting the Peter Pumpkin spice recipe as a promise to her late stepfather. She also has to run Cindermaids her family’s cleaning service. She pretty much has to do everything for her family and her two stepsisters. She befriended Prince Hartcourt when he was 10 and she was 15 and they have been penpals ever since. Fast forward to now and Prince Hart has to pick a bride at a ball being held in the very pumpkiny town of Pumpkin Pond. So essentially the story is a sideways Cinderella retelling except the stepsisters are nice. (but lazy). Of course, Prince Hart discovers he really wants Hilda but Hilda is focused on pumpkin spice and going to Rutgers and many other things.

Now, I know it may be heresy to say this but the pumpkin theme of this story did become rather too much. While the situations are fun and silly, I found Hilda to be amazingly selfish, especially at the end. Don’t worry there is an HEA but wow, the book sure takes its time getting there. I honestly would have preferred a little more romance and a little less pumpkin. Still a very fun read, perfect for a crisp autumn night perhaps with a pumpkin muffin chaser.

I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am giving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Deborah.
444 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2023
I read a lot of books, 314 so far this year according to Kindle which doesn't know about the paper books I read. I rarely give five star reviews because I think a five star review means I could read a book a second or third time and enjoy it as much as I did the first time. This is one of those books.

Within a couple chapters, I thought I knew what would happen between the queen of pumpkin spice and her Prince of Hedgerow. They would realize they loved each other and ride off into the proverbial sunset. She perfected her step-father's spice blend and was on the way to making it a national presence, she was arranging the sale of the maid business that would provide for her mother and sister, and she was headed to Rutgers for a PhD. There was no idea that her relationship with the Prince was anything more than a friendship. She was older than him and taller than him. He was royalty and she had some similarities to Cinderella.

To be honest, she had no idea their friendship had become love.

This book was a charming romp of a book as the two main characters come to terms with their love and Hilda explores a life that does not force her to give up her dreams.

I think I'll read this book again.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kate.
353 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2023
This is a light-hearted, clean romance for anyone who loves pumpkin spice and the Cinderella story. Out-spoken Hildegarde is a nearly 40, hard-working single woman. She put aside her own dreams when her beloved stepfather died, to take care of two half-sisters and her mother. In addition to caring for her family, Hildegarde works hard for her Cindermaids cleaning service (plus side-jobs). Hildegarde has also been working on a new pumpkin spice recipe to fulfill her stepfather’s dream. Harcourt is the crown prince of a small principality. The two of them have a meet-cute in the small American town of Pumpkin Pond where Harcourt’s family owns an estate when Hildegarde is 15 and Harcourt is only 10. That meeting develops into a BFF long-distance friendship over the years. Harcourt is now in his mid-30s and under pressure to marry at the risk of having to abdicate. He’s trying to comply with the rules of his principality, the demands of his father and royal etiquette. Hildegarde may be a few years older and taller than Harcourt, but their connection is undeniable. Their story bounces along to a good HEA with lots of banter, multiple entertaining characters and several fairy-tale plot twists and turns. I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Natalie Shawver.
512 reviews
September 23, 2024
Fall calls for a little whimsy ... and sometimes that comes in the form of a modern-day fairy tale involving a British prince and his soon-to-be American princess. I was in the mood for something cute, and this delivered–with lots of pumpkin to boot!

Nearly 40-year-old Hildegarde "Hildy" Bittersweet lives in Pumpkin Pond, New Hampshire (think Stars Hollow). She runs her family's maid service and has spent years making sure her step-father's dying wish comes to life. Getting Peter Pumpkin Spice into the flavor world is her top priority.

Prince Harcourt "Hart" of Hedegrow has been dodging all royal duties (including marriage) for as long as he can. With the Fall Ball in Pumpkin Pond coming up, he is excited to spend his 35th birthday across the pond with long-time, long-distance best friend Hildy ... and potentially make her his wife.

The author's note says this story is meant to be read with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand (or similar, if subpar, comfort drink)—and I agree! It was charming and cozy, predictable and fun. Just a cute one to help you transition from the heat of summer to the crispness of fall.
Profile Image for Danielle.
6 reviews
October 10, 2023
Once Upon A Pumpkin Spice Latte by Sydney Strand is a later in life, bestfriends to lovers story about Prince Harcourt and Hildegarde Bittersweet. After meeting as kids, they are reunited for a weekend 25 years later, when Prince Harcourt must find a wife before his father steps down as Crowned Prince. After dancing the last dance together at Pumpkin Pond's ball, they must face new challenges that have arouse, including their feelings for each other.
This book fits perfectly into it's genres. it exceeded my expectations in the sweet romance genre. Many times now, books in this genre do not live up to expectations, so I was pleasantly surprised when it did. The characters are very easy to fall in love with. Throughout the book, you can't help but love them. The unique personalities of each character fit perfectly together. I recommend this book to those looking for a sweet, cozy fall romance book and those that are a sucker for Cinderella-esque books.

I received an ARC copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
122 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2025
This is a10 star book for me

I live for books like this. They are so special. Hilda and Hart are Brilliant! From beginning to end this book is magnificent. I love a strong female lead who bucks tradition and thinks for herself, all while being uniquely who she is. I love a strong male lead who recognizes her intelligence, respects her decision making process and her right to choose. All while being in love with her. Amazing right?! Like something out of a Fairy Tale!!! Yes,this is well written and edited. Another Huge plus. Story moves along smoothly with no glaring errors. Heavy on the Fairy Tale vibe without the smothering trope. Zero smut-proof that sex is not a necessary plot mechanism. Romance and Sweetness in abundance. An absolutely delightful read. Will look for more of the authors work.
Profile Image for Vicki Wayne.
125 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2023
This is a fabulous spin on a true Cinderella story. The characters were all there, but several played different roles. The author didn't try to hide the fact that it was this type of story either - which was wonderful. I loved the characters - they were built out well and had fabulous personality. The sarcasm, humor and emotion were well written and enhanced the story quite nicely. I really enjoyed following along the friendship that had built over 25 years, and seeing how all the other characters played a role in their budding romance. This was a fabulous read, and I'm looking forward to finding other books by this same author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Susan Reads Cozies.
333 reviews19 followers
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed this pumpkin spice rom com. This could be the storyline to the next fall Hallmark movie. I hope you are reading this Hallmark!! I love that this was not your typical romance where the prince falls in love with the local small-town girl. The ending was not what you were expecting. I love how the author wrapped it up and put the bow on top.

This book had me wanting everything pumpkin! The small town of Pumpkin Pond sounds so adorable. The characters were great. Hilda kind of reminded me of an older version of Mia from the Princess Diaries. I know this was a standalone book, but I would love a second book maybe set in Hedgerow.

If you like pumpkin and pumpkin spice, this is the book for you.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for lliteraryflo.
52 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
WOW! Such a fun and pumpkin-y read! This book is a Cinderella retelling, even if the characters are not exactly like the Cinderella's ones (they're nicer!). It talks about a friendship between a Prince of a small town and a citizen who runs a Cleaning service while trying to perfect her stepfather's pumpkin spice recipe (yes, this book is FULL of pumpkins). Honestly, this was the perfect cozy and carefree read. If you're looking for something to read in the fall, cozied up with a fluffy blanket, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Melissa.
77 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2023
This is a retelling of Cinderella. It started off a little slow for me and the heroine seemed a bit too hard on the hero. She also has everything that society would ever say “shouldn’t” work. She’s taller than him, she not petite, she’s older than him, and she’s owns her own business with stuff on the side. Seemed a bit much to me. The story did pick up pace, and I found myself wanting to see how it ended. There is a sweet HEA ending with all the feels. All-in-all a good, fall read. I would have given 4 stars if it weren’t for all the grammatical and spelling errors. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
772 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2024
A well written Romantic Comedy. a very light-hearted Cinderella story, but with no bad stepsisters, just competitive rivals for the Prince's hand. She is a bit older than the prince, and met him when they were both young. Pin Pals, and many letters, phone calls, text and then video chats later, they are to meet after 25 years. And the prince needs to marry. Hildegarde runs to jobs to support her family - so yes she is Cinderella in this sense.

It is a sweet story and I do recommend it. Clean and best for young adults and young at heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
359 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2023
I felt Once Upon a Pumpkin Spice Latte was a pretty interesting romance. It’s a modern sideways take on Cinderella, one of my favorite princesses. Hilda and Prince Hart are BFFs but at 35 Prince Hart has to choose a wife because his dad is stepping down. Hilda decides to miss the big ball, but shows up in time for the final dance that the prince has saved for her. Unfortunately, tradition dictates this means the two must be married, and the following days are crazy. This book is full of pumpkin-related talk and may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for HEATHER.
1,251 reviews23 followers
November 11, 2023
This was such a wonderful book. I absolutely devoured it! I fell in love with Hildegarde and Harcourt. It's so refreshing to reading a book that starts out in a friendship between the characters and rolls into something more. I don't mind some banter but I don't always need all the drama in a book. This made me swoon like crazy with them. It's sweet, loving, heartfelt, funny and will make you want more. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Thank you BookSiren for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Vic.
417 reviews
November 10, 2023
Great fall read. It is funny when you think about both Hart and Hilda cringe at getting married, when they are perfect for each other. Loved their story and all the town folk you meet. Pumpkin Pond seems like an idyllic New England town. Their story is so sweet, romantic, loving and the happily ever after was wonderful. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lottie Hildenbrand.
350 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2023
This was a cute story. It’s a little silly, but it was sweet and funny and an overall enjoyable read. It held my attention well and wasn’t boring. There wasn’t much spice, but it’s great if you’re looking for a sweet, fun, easy read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for D..
1,792 reviews
November 4, 2023
I enjoyed this fun romantic story with a lot of humor. It was an unexpected surprise storyline that I really enjoyed. Hart, the prince, and his bestie, Hildy, are meeting face to face after 25 years and the story goes from there. You do not want to miss this fun and enjoyable story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jeanne Feeney.
175 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2023
Super cute Cinderella-esque love story. The town is Pumpkin Pond where pumpkin spice reigns supreme. Great fall read that leaves you excited more from this small town. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alyssia.
65 reviews
February 6, 2024
Een echte feel good roman, gebaseerd op het Assepoester verhaal. Het boek zelf was chaotisch geschreven, met hier en daar wat fouten zoals namen die door elkaar werden gebruikt. Dit maakte dat het verhaal niet soepel verliep.
376 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2024
Looking for a cute, cozy, pumpkin loving story? This is it. It was a fun twist to the normal Cinderella story. I loved seeing Hilda and Hart’s love grow from besties to more. It gave you this warm cozy feeling like you were drinking a pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa. Perfect fall read.
42 reviews
October 23, 2024
story was heart warming

This was a lovely heart warming story.
It as predictable but I loved the story! Only issue was the amount of spelling mistakes, even referenced the wrong character at times. If it had been properly proofread it would have been so much better.
Profile Image for Ericka.
17 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
This was one of the better romance books I have read in the past year. It's a cute and quirky romance. There were times where it felt a little slow paced because of the backstory, but other than that it was a quick and easy read.
Profile Image for Anna.
105 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
A little Peter pumpkin perfection here ...

Hilda works and works and...works for her goals, plans, family... But now a certain best friend may have added "for love" to her list. The timing is tricky but who knows what a little pumpkin pond adventure might bring?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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