Pumpkin to Talk About: A Novella

by Allie Samberts

Mike Page fled Ironwood Flats, Texas the moment he tossed his high school cap in the air and never looked back. But when his little sister, Annie, is suddenly left raising two kids on her own, one desperate call brings him right back to the one place he swore he’d never return. Now, stuck playing uncle, Mike’s in for more than he bargained for, especially since it means surviving the town’s infamous Halloween celebrations—his personal nightmare.

Belle Allen has always been a bit eclectic. As Ironwood Elementary’s quirky part-time librarian by day and bartender by night, she has finally found her rhythm. That is, until Mike, her high school nemesis, walks into the bar bringing painful memories back with him.

Old wounds run deep, but so do new sparks when they keep bumping into each other. As they’re pulled together by chance encounters and unexpected chemistry, Mike and Belle realize they’re not the same people they were in high school. But just as they start falling harder than autumn leaves, reality hits—Mike’s heading back to Indiana after Halloween.

Can they admit they’re bewitched with each other? Or will the spell of their romance be broken?

Genres: Romance, Halloween, Novella, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Contemporary

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and a very loud beagle. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, read her blog at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.

Reviews

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC 🩶

[Krislyn Vergara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, short Halloween read. Understanding that it is a novella, I know the story line is supposed to move fast, but it was hard to connect with the story as their relationship moved so fast. They kissed once in high school and years later they see eachother and have an undeniable connection. They hookup once and then he is already thinking of wanting to be with her and moving to be with her? The relationship just seems to go from 9 to 100 real quick.

[KellyJ1028 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest Halloween . I havent read Common Grounds which features Mike a main character in Pumpkin to Talk About. I do plan on reading more of Allie Samberts books, I enjoyed her writing style & the way to story flowed. Mike comes back to Iron Flats to help his sister ( she is going through a breakup). He reconnects with Belle , with whom he shared a kiss with yrs ago & still has an attraction to. I dont want to reveal too much more but this was the perfect cozy book to end my seasonal reads. Perfect setting, perfect story, perfect chemistry...So if you are looking for a cute romance with banter & a little spice I highly encourage you to give this one a try~!

[Dalilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute Halloween Novella! I love all of Allie Samberts books so this was the perfect one to hit my reading goal.

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

If you’re looking for a small town, spicy, Hallmark-esque cozy novella, Pumpkin to Talk About by Allie Samberts is exactly what you need. It’s set during Halloween but don’t worry, it’s not spooky at all, so if you’re someone who loves fall vibes without the scares, this one’s for you.

I adored both the MMC and FMC. The MMC comes back home to help his sister and unexpectedly reunites with the girl he once kissed in high school. Watching them reconnect, work together, and slowly fall for each other was absolute perfection. It’s short, sweet, and perfectly autumnal.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cutest Halloween / autumn novella ever! I was so glad to see more of Mikes character after finishing Common Grounds. This had the perfect small town vibe. I loved all the Halloween festivities and that we got Monster Mike out of it 🤣 This novella had the exact cozy, autumn, spooky season vibe I was looking for and the romance was *chefs kiss*

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute Halloween novella 🎃
My first read from Allie & it won’t be my last!

I loved the chemistry between Belle & Mike, and that they were in their 40s - more older MCs please 🙌🏼

⭐️: 4.5
🌶️: open door, a few scenes

read if you love:
🩵 single uncle returning (temporarily) to his hometown to help out his sister
🖤 librarian/bartender fmc
🎃 he hates Halloween & she loves it
😘 MCs in their 40s who kissed once in high school
🔥 sizzling chemistry
🌳 small town
💞 dual 1st person pov

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and spicy small town, second chance, dual POV romance that has two former high school friends that shared a first kiss, reuniting when he comes home to help his single mom sister. I liked the Librarian/bartender FMC and all the fun town Halloween activities. This was cute and just a plain entertaining, quick read that was good as an audiobook too. My only complaint: I wanted more!

[Cathy Willey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m in my Halloween era. Super cheesy novella about pumpkins and halloween

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This felt like a perfectly cozy cup of PSL! Cozy, sweet with a little spice. Great, quick read to get you in the mood for the fall!🍂

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Halloween romance novella. Allie took a character from Common Grounds and gave him his own story and I'm here for it!

Mike comes back to Texas to help his sister with herself and her kids after a bad break up. While in Texas, he runs into someone from his past. 

Having a town obsessed with Halloween and a romance ensue during Halloween activities was just too cute. There are a few spicy scenes as well! This book is a novella so you can read it in a few hours! It's such a quick read and so worth it. 

I also loved the mentions of other characters from Common Grounds because I got to see where those characters are now and that was really fun. 

Can't wait to read her Christmas novella, Christmas by Design, coming out 11/29!

[Madeleine Berges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This was the sweetest book! If you are looking for a quick, cozy read for fall look no further!!!!

Allie is the queen of writing holiday novellas they draw you in & feel easy to consume in busy seasons of life!

🎧 The audio was well done! Both narrators draw you into the story evoking the feelings of the characters! I loved head this novella come to life through the audio!

[Caitsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta read. 🧡🎃

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Halloween short story

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I loved this little Halloween novella! Featuring older, relatable, well-developed complex characters with electric chemistry set during late autumn, I flew through this cute take on a second chance romance. Mike returns to his hometown to help his sister and isn’t a fan of Halloween, Belle has never left and basically bleeds all things spooky. Sweet, angsty, a bit spicy and containing fun quips and moments, I recommend this quick read for this time of year.
The audiobook was fantastic, Ryan Haugen’s voice was perfectly grumpy and steamy at just the night times, and Dahlia Summers held all the right emotions too. An enjoyable, quick listen coming in at just two hours and 40 minutes at regular speed. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook

[Laraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming Halloween novella is the perfect cozy read for fall, and it’s available on Kindle Unlimited!

The story follows Mike as he returns to his hometown to help his sister and her kids. While there, he reconnects with Belle, the town librarian and his high school crush. Their chemistry is undeniable, but there's a catch—Mike's only in town for a short while. As they work together to plan the town's annual Halloween festival, sparks fly.

With its delightful small-town setting and a vibe straight out of Gilmore Girls or a Hallmark movie, this novella delivers all the warmth and charm. The characters were so lovable, I found myself wishing it were a full-length novel!

[Ashlyn’s Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 🎧 via speechify

Steamy spicy small town romance!

✨𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩:
🛠️ Second chance romance with some unfinished business
🎃 Cozy hometown pumpkin patch scenes
🔥 Spicy sparks reignited under autumn skies
🏡 Small town vibes with friends and family
💔 Healing hearts and finding love again

Pumpkin to Talk About leans into small town vibes, second chances, and reignited chemistry. The autumn setting is spot on, and the slow burn tension between the two former high school classmates builds perfectly, with some spicy moments taking the spotlight. If you love the idea of romance over pumpkin patches and reunions, this novella will be right up your alley! 🎃🥰

[Alyssa Lindstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's short, she's sweet, she's spicy! I love it!!! Add this novella to your fall TBR. I didn't think it was possible to encapsulate what it feels like to enjoy Halloween in a small town, how a couple can rekindle a second chance romance, and have a character explore past traumas... but here we are. Samberts does it yet again with Pumpkin to Talk About! This solidifies why she will always be an auto buy author for me.

At just around 100 pages, you can easily binge this on KU or even Audible on Halloween day! I ate this up and think you will too if you are looking for a quick read to get you out of that book slump.

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute but very short and lacking necessary details.

It’s a novella, I get it, but they had one kiss in high school and now have an undeniable connection after sharing a couple conversations.

Also, a misunderstanding after a kiss does not mean the person is your nemesis. He hurt her feelings, didn’t sabotage her grade or run over her puppy.

I haven’t read Common Grounds where Mike is introduced so maybe that book would provide more context but I don’t think that’s the case. Either way, it’s cute but go on with low expectations on character development and high expectations on Halloween cheer.

[Cait Weitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the best cheesy romance novella to get in the spooky spirit! So glad I came across this author while doom scrolling on tiktok. I definitely want to read more of her books in the future!

3.5 ⭐️ I loved the utter commitment they gave to one another almost immediately! I also loved the ending, and how everything wrapped up so nicely. I do think the one thing this story lacks more of a background into their dating / relationship history (mostly Belle’s) since after high school. We found out a somewhat backstory for Mike being single in his 40s but I’m left wondering about Belle’s past 20+ years of love.

[Delaine (NovelReadingNanny) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely obsessed! GO READ THIS RIGHT NOW!

There are only a handful of novellas that I feel work perfectly and this is one. There was nothing missing, no details I would want added. It felt like a Halloween Hallmark movie.

This Halloween romcom is nothing short of perfection. As simple as that. The characters. The length. The setting. All of it.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella! It is the PERFECT pallete cleaner, fall vibe book! I loved Mike's character in Common Grounds and am so happy that we got to see a little more of his life. He seems like such a fun uncle and an amazing friend! Belle is something fierce and a little spitfire, I love her! Charging annoying customers top shelf when they were served bottom shelf....gold! I would highly recommend this if you need a quick read that is full of detail, a little bit of spice, and some fun banter!

[Savannah Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was soo cute!! i’m terribly sad it was only a novella and not a full book bc i want more!! is it a coincidence the ending is exactly the situation im in right now?? maybe someone should read it and get some ideas…ADORABLE 🎃

[Schy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable 🤎
Small town romance
Enemies to lovers
Second chance romance
Halloween festivities

Alllll in this little novella?! I ate this up! Perfect for an autumn day’s read.

[Baley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I’m obsessed with Allie’s characters! This was such a cute novella and had all the cozy comforts of Halloween.

[Nadya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute spicy Halloween town vibes novella! I really enjoyed this quick read. Mike was such a sweet brother and amazing uncle! Belle and Mike are literally so cute together!

[Lena (desert.diva.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

I devoured this story in a short few hours and went to bed later than I should have, but so worth it!

[Sophie Bojo]

boring

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

meh

[Kelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute fall novella! Belle and Mike’s story was adorable!