What do you think?
Rate this book
Drake & Wilde #0.5
Love in the Time of Pumpkins
As they unravel the secrets of Sleepy Hollow, their greatest discovery might be each other.
When historian Iris Drake leaves her academic life behind for the quaint charm of Sleepy Hollow, she expects a peaceful job guiding tours through the town’s legendary past. But everything changes when she meets Jackson Wilde—a brilliant and ruggedly charming professor with a sharp mind and a talent for uncovering secrets.
Jackson isn’t just a skeptic with a mysterious past; he’s about to pull Iris into a centuries-old conspiracy that could rewrite history. Together, they discover coded messages, Revolutionary War artifacts, and a secret society determined to protect its legacy—at any cost.
As they race to unravel the clues before someone—or something—catches up with them, Jackson’s steady confidence becomes Iris’s anchor, and his magnetic intensity is impossible to resist. But in a place where the line between history and legend blurs, their growing connection might be the most dangerous discovery of all.
Step into Sleepy Hollow, where history, romance, and mystery collide in a thrilling adventure.
When historian Iris Drake leaves her academic life behind for the quaint charm of Sleepy Hollow, she expects a peaceful job guiding tours through the town’s legendary past. But everything changes when she meets Jackson Wilde—a brilliant and ruggedly charming professor with a sharp mind and a talent for uncovering secrets.
Jackson isn’t just a skeptic with a mysterious past; he’s about to pull Iris into a centuries-old conspiracy that could rewrite history. Together, they discover coded messages, Revolutionary War artifacts, and a secret society determined to protect its legacy—at any cost.
As they race to unravel the clues before someone—or something—catches up with them, Jackson’s steady confidence becomes Iris’s anchor, and his magnetic intensity is impossible to resist. But in a place where the line between history and legend blurs, their growing connection might be the most dangerous discovery of all.
Step into Sleepy Hollow, where history, romance, and mystery collide in a thrilling adventure.
78 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2024
20 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Jarvis
67 books68 followersJ.L. Jarvis is a left-handed former opera singer/teacher/lawyer who lives and writes books on a mountaintop in upstate New York. For information about upcoming books, sign up for her newsletter at jljarvis.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 30, 2025
LOVE IN THE TIME OF PUMPKINS was a fun introduction to historian Iris Drake and professor Jackson Wilde. This felt very much like National Treasure crossed with some spooky vibes; but it's just the beginning of the hunt so we still have a lot of unanswered questions. I liked Iris's determination and Jackson's charm and they were cute together. They've only known each other for a few days so things are moving slowly and we just get a touch of their romance. I don't think I'll be continuing the series but I would still recommend this for anyone who likes historical puzzles, mystery, and a lighter romance.
September 18, 2024
This book was captivating from the moment I started it and I couldn’t put it down. Now I want to know what happens next and all the secrets behind this mysterious town!!!!
October 23, 2024
(2.5 stars)
Folklore historian Iris Drake leaves academia to work in public history is a tour guide and archivist at the history center n Sleepy Hollow, NY. In time for Halloween, rival academic Jackson Wilde arrives in town to research coded messages in Washington Irving's letters and fiction related to the American Revolutionary War conspiracy. Working together, the pair drawn the attention of a secret society guarding a historical conspiracy -- and falling for each other along the way. Its a suburb and fun premise.
I absolutely loved the story's notion to blend literary sleuthing with romance between two rival academics with different methodologies, and the author's insightful set up in the space between public history and academia. I liked the characters and the writing style at the outset; I was drawn in. Unfortunately, the story takes on a galloping pace, which causes the story to lose its head, as it were, and fall part rather than come together into a well-crafted short fiction. The action was rushed; the revelations convenient and glancing; the plot was undeveloped; and, ultimately, the story was uncompleted.
Nothing beyond the initial set up was fleshed out. The characters stumble from one discovery or danger to another, without the author slowing down to explore the meaning, or even really set the scene or unfold the action. At points, the plot was so underdeveloped that it didn't make sense; begging the questions: Why was Washington Irving, who was born at the very end of the American Revolutionary War, coding war secrets in his story? (Presumably his purpose had to do with the secret society and the nature of the secret. But this isn't connected or explored). Why would the timing of an Irving letter line up with the British armies movements on the Hudson if he wasn't born yet? What are the hidden codes and what do they signify? I wish the author had slowed down and held on to this story to fully develop, craft, and complete it, and then, since this is a series, written a second story by giving the character's another historical or literary mystery to research and more time to develop their relationship. Eve as a serialization, rather than a series, this first installment needed more refinement. I wanted to love this story and series so badly.
Folklore historian Iris Drake leaves academia to work in public history is a tour guide and archivist at the history center n Sleepy Hollow, NY. In time for Halloween, rival academic Jackson Wilde arrives in town to research coded messages in Washington Irving's letters and fiction related to the American Revolutionary War conspiracy. Working together, the pair drawn the attention of a secret society guarding a historical conspiracy -- and falling for each other along the way. Its a suburb and fun premise.
I absolutely loved the story's notion to blend literary sleuthing with romance between two rival academics with different methodologies, and the author's insightful set up in the space between public history and academia. I liked the characters and the writing style at the outset; I was drawn in. Unfortunately, the story takes on a galloping pace, which causes the story to lose its head, as it were, and fall part rather than come together into a well-crafted short fiction. The action was rushed; the revelations convenient and glancing; the plot was undeveloped; and, ultimately, the story was uncompleted.
Nothing beyond the initial set up was fleshed out. The characters stumble from one discovery or danger to another, without the author slowing down to explore the meaning, or even really set the scene or unfold the action. At points, the plot was so underdeveloped that it didn't make sense; begging the questions: Why was Washington Irving, who was born at the very end of the American Revolutionary War, coding war secrets in his story? (Presumably his purpose had to do with the secret society and the nature of the secret. But this isn't connected or explored). Why would the timing of an Irving letter line up with the British armies movements on the Hudson if he wasn't born yet? What are the hidden codes and what do they signify? I wish the author had slowed down and held on to this story to fully develop, craft, and complete it, and then, since this is a series, written a second story by giving the character's another historical or literary mystery to research and more time to develop their relationship. Eve as a serialization, rather than a series, this first installment needed more refinement. I wanted to love this story and series so badly.
Read
October 30, 2025No Star Rating
🎃 1 Jack-o-Lantern for the Holiday
Iris Drake, dressed in her 18th-century costume, is the newest guide at the Heritage Center. She is both excited and nervous about giving her first historical tour in Sleepy Hollow. After a challenging doctoral dissertation defense, she has decided to leave academia behind. Fortunately, she is well-versed in colonial American folklore and historical events. With tourists gathered around the statue of Ichabod Crane, it's finally time for her to begin.
This book is marketed as a "Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Read." Having previously enjoyed a novelette-length story during the holiday season, I was eager to dive into another title. While the story was engaging, the abrupt cliffhanger at the end left me feeling dissatisfied. Although retailers advertise the book as having 80 pages, the actual story is only about 45 pages long (and that's rounding up generously).
🎃 1 Jack-o-Lantern for the Holiday
Iris Drake, dressed in her 18th-century costume, is the newest guide at the Heritage Center. She is both excited and nervous about giving her first historical tour in Sleepy Hollow. After a challenging doctoral dissertation defense, she has decided to leave academia behind. Fortunately, she is well-versed in colonial American folklore and historical events. With tourists gathered around the statue of Ichabod Crane, it's finally time for her to begin.
This book is marketed as a "Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Read." Having previously enjoyed a novelette-length story during the holiday season, I was eager to dive into another title. While the story was engaging, the abrupt cliffhanger at the end left me feeling dissatisfied. Although retailers advertise the book as having 80 pages, the actual story is only about 45 pages long (and that's rounding up generously).
October 14, 2024
This was a cute short story for Halloween! National Treasure mixed with a Sleepy Hallow setting. I did enjoy this story, I do wish some of the action was fleshed out a little more but overall an enjoyable story to get you in the Halloween spirit. I look forward to more stories by this author!
September 20, 2024
What a great story to ease into fall. This is a clean, quick read with perfect pacing, mystery and history. Very intriguing and entertaining romantic suspense and the cover is perfect for this book! Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2024
"Love in the Time of Pumpkins" es una novela corta que revitaliza el mito de Sleepy Hollow de una manera intrigante y original. La historia sigue a Iris, una nueva guía turística que se ve envuelta en una serie de misterios y conspiraciones que desafían todo lo que creía saber sobre el pueblo.
La autora crea una atmósfera envolvente, llena de suspense y elementos sobrenaturales que mantienen al lector al borde del asiento. La construcción del mundo es detallada y evocadora, transportando al lector a un Sleepy Hollow contemporáneo donde la leyenda sigue viva. Los personajes, especialmente Iris, son complejos y fascinantes, lo que hace que el lector se preocupe por su destino.
Si eres fanático de las historias de terror y fantasía con un toque de misterio, "Love in the Time of Pumpkins" es una lectura imprescindible. La autora logra combinar elementos clásicos del género con una trama original y personajes inolvidables.
_____________________________________
"Love in the Time of Pumpkins" is a short novel that reinvigorates the myth of Sleepy Hollow intriguingly and originally. The story follows Iris, a new tour guide caught up in a series of mysteries and conspiracies that challenge everything she thought she knew about the town.
The author creates an immersive atmosphere, full of suspense and supernatural elements that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The world-building is detailed and evocative, transporting the reader to a contemporary Sleepy Hollow where the legend lives on. The characters, especially Iris, are complex and fascinating, making the reader care about their fate.
If you are a fan of horror and fantasy stories with a touch of mystery, "Love in the Time of Pumpkins" is a must-read. The author manages to combine classic elements of the genre with an original plot and unforgettable characters.
La autora crea una atmósfera envolvente, llena de suspense y elementos sobrenaturales que mantienen al lector al borde del asiento. La construcción del mundo es detallada y evocadora, transportando al lector a un Sleepy Hollow contemporáneo donde la leyenda sigue viva. Los personajes, especialmente Iris, son complejos y fascinantes, lo que hace que el lector se preocupe por su destino.
Si eres fanático de las historias de terror y fantasía con un toque de misterio, "Love in the Time of Pumpkins" es una lectura imprescindible. La autora logra combinar elementos clásicos del género con una trama original y personajes inolvidables.
_____________________________________
"Love in the Time of Pumpkins" is a short novel that reinvigorates the myth of Sleepy Hollow intriguingly and originally. The story follows Iris, a new tour guide caught up in a series of mysteries and conspiracies that challenge everything she thought she knew about the town.
The author creates an immersive atmosphere, full of suspense and supernatural elements that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The world-building is detailed and evocative, transporting the reader to a contemporary Sleepy Hollow where the legend lives on. The characters, especially Iris, are complex and fascinating, making the reader care about their fate.
If you are a fan of horror and fantasy stories with a touch of mystery, "Love in the Time of Pumpkins" is a must-read. The author manages to combine classic elements of the genre with an original plot and unforgettable characters.
September 17, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed jumping in on the adventures Iris and Jackson took and uncovering a town secret that’s been kept for many years. Short and fast paced.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5 stars)
Love in the Time of Pumpkins by J.L. Jarvis was such a fun fall read! It honestly reminded me of a younger, updated version of National Treasure — but make it small-town cozy with a side of slow-burn chemistry.
Iris and Jackson’s adventure through the mysteries of Sleepy Hollow had that perfect mix of history, puzzles, and romantic tension. I loved the idea of secret societies, hidden codes, and Revolutionary War secrets all tucked inside a picturesque autumn town. 🍂 It definitely gave me “curl up with a PSL and keep reading just one more chapter” vibes.
That said, it’s a novella, so some parts felt a little rushed — I wanted more of the romance and mystery before it wrapped up! Still, it was a cute, clever story with a unique spin on historical adventure romance. I might just continue the series to see where Iris and Jackson’s journey goes next.
Love in the Time of Pumpkins by J.L. Jarvis was such a fun fall read! It honestly reminded me of a younger, updated version of National Treasure — but make it small-town cozy with a side of slow-burn chemistry.
Iris and Jackson’s adventure through the mysteries of Sleepy Hollow had that perfect mix of history, puzzles, and romantic tension. I loved the idea of secret societies, hidden codes, and Revolutionary War secrets all tucked inside a picturesque autumn town. 🍂 It definitely gave me “curl up with a PSL and keep reading just one more chapter” vibes.
That said, it’s a novella, so some parts felt a little rushed — I wanted more of the romance and mystery before it wrapped up! Still, it was a cute, clever story with a unique spin on historical adventure romance. I might just continue the series to see where Iris and Jackson’s journey goes next.
September 17, 2024
Love in the Time of Pumpkins is a novella that beautifully blends romance, mystery, and the eerie allure of Sleepy Hollow. Historian Iris Drake’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets professor Jackson Wilde. Together, they unravel hidden secrets and a centuries-old conspiracy, drawing closer as they navigate historical intrigue and budding romance.
Overall, it's perfect for readers seeking a quick, immersive escape into a world where history and legend intertwine, offering both suspenseful and heartwarming moments. This novella is a must-read for those who enjoy the legend of Sleepy Hollow!
Overall, it's perfect for readers seeking a quick, immersive escape into a world where history and legend intertwine, offering both suspenseful and heartwarming moments. This novella is a must-read for those who enjoy the legend of Sleepy Hollow!
September 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this novella! It was so intriguing I am holding thumbs that this will turn into a full novel and that this was just a prequel.
The historical mystery is really well thought out and the romance left me wanting more.
This is the perfect quick read on a cold, spooky night.
I recommend this book if you love:
🎃 Halloween
🎃 Historical mystery
🎃 Insta love
🎃 Mystery
Thank you Booksprout and the author for this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The historical mystery is really well thought out and the romance left me wanting more.
This is the perfect quick read on a cold, spooky night.
I recommend this book if you love:
🎃 Halloween
🎃 Historical mystery
🎃 Insta love
🎃 Mystery
Thank you Booksprout and the author for this ARC.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2024
National Treasure meets Sleepy Hollow!
I AM IN!!!
This was a short intro into a bigger series releasing later this month but what an intro it was.
Iris is a historian who gave up her PHD to become a tour guide in Sleepy Hollow (ummm I need the backstory on THAT stat) and Jackson is a treasure hunter/bad boy who needs her help to figure out the clues hidden on a map of the town from the 1700s....SAY LESS!
This was less than 50 pages so I have a lot of questions but I'm hooked and cant wait for the next one to come out - here's hoping it's full length and we get some romance along the way!
I AM IN!!!
This was a short intro into a bigger series releasing later this month but what an intro it was.
Iris is a historian who gave up her PHD to become a tour guide in Sleepy Hollow (ummm I need the backstory on THAT stat) and Jackson is a treasure hunter/bad boy who needs her help to figure out the clues hidden on a map of the town from the 1700s....SAY LESS!
This was less than 50 pages so I have a lot of questions but I'm hooked and cant wait for the next one to come out - here's hoping it's full length and we get some romance along the way!
September 13, 2024
Not what I was expecting. Okay okay okay, hear me out…. I totally SHOULD have known this wasn’t going to be a monster romance by the book cover but I started reading this thinking that’s what it was. I was surprised to find out both the h and H are very much human. However I do like the storyline and the mystery behind the short story. I do wonder if the next book in the series will elaborate a little more on this books ending.
✅ clean read
✅Halloween themed
✅romantic suspense
✅mystery.
✅ clean read
✅Halloween themed
✅romantic suspense
✅mystery.
September 17, 2024
history is rarely truly about easily verifiable facts.
stories, sagas, songs and legends have long preserved traditions in history.
The legendary Sleepy Hollow is one place where history and folklore collide.
Exciting adventures between two academics and a rumoreded haunting and definitely mundane man and thefts collide.
Drama and suspense filled action.
stories, sagas, songs and legends have long preserved traditions in history.
The legendary Sleepy Hollow is one place where history and folklore collide.
Exciting adventures between two academics and a rumoreded haunting and definitely mundane man and thefts collide.
Drama and suspense filled action.
October 4, 2024
Honestly pretty good! Quick little short story, I enjoyed the concept a lot and was excited for a cute little spooky something to set the tone for fall. I do wish it was longer as some bits felt a little rushed but over all it was engaging enough atmospherically for me to want to pick up the next piece in the series.
September 14, 2024
Can I just say that the cover of this book is magical! I enjoyed this short story and there was a twist that I didn’t see coming. There is a lot packed into this book so buckle up and enjoy the ride!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2024
Okay. I usually love this author's holiday fiction but this one was just okay. Yes, it was a short story, but there were a lot of elements but just not enough pages and I felt it could've been a bit longer to make it more worthwhile.
September 20, 2024
A very short story that felt incomplete. This felt like just the (rushed) beginning of a story, Iris’s backstory was hinted at but not fully revealed and the mystery was only partially uncovered, plus the whole thing with Dr. Grice was unfinished (and also didn’t make much sense).
February 14, 2025
A quick read. Did not care for it. I did not expect it to be about going against a powerful, secret organization. I do not like those type of stories. People who do like those stories will probably like this. It is first in the series , so the book does not have an ending.
October 6, 2025
So cute and mysterious
This is a first read from J.L. Jarvis and I loved it! For me this was a mix of uncharted, national treasure, meets witches of East end. As for the romance I like that its a slow burn enemies to lovers kind of read. I can't wait to start the second book.
This is a first read from J.L. Jarvis and I loved it! For me this was a mix of uncharted, national treasure, meets witches of East end. As for the romance I like that its a slow burn enemies to lovers kind of read. I can't wait to start the second book.
September 17, 2024
Definitely a good fall/October read! Loved the characters and the mystery... It was an easy afternoon read, mostly because I didn't want to stop until I solved it.
September 18, 2024
This was cute! I definitely hope that it eventually turns into a series of some sort, or that we at least get to visit again in another short story!
September 20, 2024
2.5 stars. Writing was ok but seems like this is start of a longer book. If so, I’m annoyed that I read it. Alludes to parts of her past that aren’t fleshed out and ends on a mystery.
September 25, 2024
A good read for the spooky season
This is an interesting and quick read. It is good for the spooky season. I think it was enjoyable overall.
This is an interesting and quick read. It is good for the spooky season. I think it was enjoyable overall.
October 11, 2024
Historical Mystery
This was an interesting start to the story. I hope that book 2 is a lot longer and more fleshed out.
This was an interesting start to the story. I hope that book 2 is a lot longer and more fleshed out.
October 28, 2024
This story had a great setup.
I loved that this took place in a museum and involved looking into old artifacts. The romance was cute, slow burn.
Cliffhanger ending, I need to read book 2.
I loved that this took place in a museum and involved looking into old artifacts. The romance was cute, slow burn.
Cliffhanger ending, I need to read book 2.
November 30, 2024
Short and fun, need to find book 2 now
January 17, 2025
A short and simple book, with a great deal of elements.
From mystery, to romance, to history.
A quick and easy read!
From mystery, to romance, to history.
A quick and easy read!
February 25, 2025
Quick short story. Enjoyed the main characters and their chemistry. Think National treasure with Halloween vibes. Wish this series could be 3 books in one for the cost of the paperback.
May 17, 2025
Nice story to ease into fall. Clean, quick read with good pacing, history and mystery. Entertaining romantic suspense and I love the cover. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews