Lauryn Harper Falls Apart

by Shauna Robinson

The next feel-good read from acclaimed author Shauna Robinson, following a small-town fall festival struggling to get off the ground, but that might just offer the second chance we all need.

Lauryn Harper had a plan. A high achieving, perfectly constructed, five-year plan. But after a (totally blown out of proportion) mishap at work that plan is put to the test.

As punishment for her mistake she is transferred to the Ryser Charity Department, a branch of her corporation that just so happens to be located in the hometown she abandoned long ago - the same hometown that her powerful corporation is responsible for running into the ground. Horrified at the thought of returning and facing those she left behind (one in particular keeps coming to mind), Lauryn quickly comes up with a new impress her boss enough that she's briskly whisked back to her big city life.

However, it soon becomes clear that sticking to plans isn't that simple, especially when her ex-best friend enters the charity department demanding they help revitalize the town by throwing the famous Greenstead Fall Festival. Confronted by her past wrongs, Lauryn immediately agrees to host the festival on Ryser's dime, but soon enough Lauryn is swept away in town hijinks, chaotic planning committees, and a second chance at a childhood friend that shows her why home isn't necessarily a place she has to run from.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Friendship, Adult, Romance, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

Shauna Robinson writes contemporary fiction with humor and heart. Originally from San Diego, she now lives in Virginia with her husband and their sleepy greyhound. Shauna is an introvert at heart—she spends most of her time reading, baking, and figuring out the politest way to avoid social interaction.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper works for Ryser, her plan is to go hard and retire early and this all comes unstuck when she makes a mistake. Her punishment is to be transferred back to her home town Greenstead, Virginia, where an environmental accident happened years ago and the charity department.

Lauryn moves in with her dad and stepmother, and decides to make the best of her new job opportunity, her co-workers are not what she’s expecting and it’s a very casual place.

Marina her ex-best friend arrives at the charity office, she’s worried the town is dying and they want to close the community centre, and together they decide to hold a fund raiser to save it and the once famous Greenstead Fall Festival and they loved it as kids.

Lauryn’s drawn into the town’s dramas, not just organizing the fair, an old school nemesis pops up, they try getting the local major on board and hold a dinner party.

I received a copy of Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about growing up in a small town, leaving and returning as an adult, while Lauryn dreams on escaping her friend Marina is loyal to the place, and they have a big fight and don't speak for years.

When she returns Lauryn starts to look at things differently, she remembers the fun she and Marina had, she develops an unexpected connection with her co-workers, it’s a feel good story about taking on a big company, righting the wrongs of the past and how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Four stars from me and I really liked the characters in this book and I’m glad Lauryn finally got her priorities right.

[cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this one!

although lauryn could get a bit frustrating and messy with how willing to self sabotage she was, it also made her feel more like a real person than just a character in a book. it made her human and relatable, and that's all i could have asked for from a main character.

with that being said, i wish the side characters had been developed a little bit more. i know there's a plot we need to focus on, but these side characters were so integral to the plot and it feels like we hardly got to know them outside of their jobs.

the pacing and the writing were easy to follow and pleasant to read so i'll definitely check out more of SR's work. a girl is invested. i am a girl.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Merisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review!

I like how wholesome Shauna Robinson's books feel when you read them. To me, they are almost like Hallmark movies, where you witness the character in a situation that has them down and defeated, only to see them come out triumphant in the end.

In this case, Lauryn was able to reflect on her priorities regarding her hometown and friendships, where she later understood the significance of each in her life. Choosing to stay instead of chasing "big city dreams" was the ultimate ending for Lauryn, and I'm glad she was able to find her way home.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for Lauryn Harper, you go Lauryn Harper!

Second chance friendship with a side of small town fall festival? I loved it. I ended the book with a smile on my face on a chilly September Monday morning. What better way to start my day.

Things I loved about this book:
Parks and Rec vibes
Disability Representation
Great main character discovery/development
LGBTQ Representation
Witty and funny side characters
All the fall vibes
Bi-racial main character
Owning up to mistakes and trying to do better

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for an advanced readers copy of this delightful book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD THIS BOOK HAS MY WHOLE HEART!! No one gets Lauryn Harper like *I* get Lauryn Harper. Please everyone go read this book. It has everything - dry, quick humor, heartwarming redemption, found family, and APPLES (I wanted to eat an apple the entire time reading this). This is the perfect cozy book for fall, and contains all the components of a perfect fall day: crisp, sunny, and full of change!
Cat Sebastian said in one of her books, "I've been thinking a lot about second chances. Although, second chance makes it sound like you're out on parole. What I really mean is a rally. When you think something's over, done, last nail in the coffin, and then it turns around." This book was like that, a rally for Lauryn Harper, her friendship with Marina, for Marina herself, and for all the misfits of Ryser Cares. And what a beautiful thing it was to read. In the wave of romance novels hitting shelves, this book bravely dares to write with such care, gentleness, and aplomb about the power and beauty of platonic love. And I think that's fucking sick.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely, uplifting, and heartwarming story this is! It’s charming, funny, and full of hope. Lauryn is a dreamer. She works for an evil corporation, selling her soul for money while hoping for a quick redemption somewhere in the distant future. Then, after a mishearing mishap, she lands in a Flop House—an office for banished workers (Slow Horses! haha). There, she meets a group of misfits, and from that point, the story picks up both pace and color.

The book is not without flaws. While I was glad to see a main character with a disability, it only plays a vital role when it’s convenient to move the storyline forward. In Lauryn’s daily life, her hearing challenge somehow never seems to be a problem. The queer part of the story blends in seamlessly, but the shift to the pronoun “them” feels awkward. This is literature, so I would prefer correct grammar and terminology. Respect your language.

On the positive side: I absolutely love the writing! The sentences are light, gentle, filled with tenderness, meaning, and decency. While the plot may be a bit naïve, I don’t really care. It’s a funny story with likeable characters and…

“I hope readers come away from this book with a smile. (...) If readers enjoyed even a small part (...) I’ll be happy,” says the author.

Dear Shauna, I think we just made each other happy. Thank you.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new novel, funny and charming and totally spot-on about corporate nonsense (I'm being polite, you know I really mean to use the kind of words that violate community standards, if Goodreads has those?). Lauryn Harper had me in her corner from the first page, and I bet you will feel the same.

There's more to the book than laughs, too, and I like that about it. Falling apart can be the best thing for a person sometimes, and certainly makes for a great read in this case. To avoid spoilers, I'm just going to leave it at that.

Enjoy!!!

[Courtney N · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️

Hear me out, a sweet and comical small town Hallmark-esque story with a break from your typical romance plot.

That’s right, there’s no romance and you know what? It works! Instead the focus is on rekindling a childhood friendship and finding yourself in adulthood. Second chance friendship anyone? Second chance at life anyone else?

I really enjoyed this book, it was such a breath of fresh air and it fell into my hands at the perfect time. Lauryn’s journey made me so nostalgic, so happy, so seen. It was so often like looking in a mirror and for that, I was able to take away so much from Lauryn and the things she went through.

- This was so comical, but not overly so. It was still rooted and had so much emotional depth and exploration.
- It was a little corny, but in the way you want it to be when you pick up a book about a town that was flooded by mustard (lol).
- This was different enough that although the plot is simple, it keeps you engaged and invested.
- All of the characters were so lovable and easy to connect to. The found family vibes were so adorable.
- To me, there was nothing super triggering or overly emotional making this a perfect lighthearted read that becomes necessary after a while.
- That ending actually did make me tear up! So sweet!

💫 Big props from me to the author for writing a biracial character with a disability. (Lauryn is black and white and is partially deaf!)

So why was this not a full five star read?
- I did feel like this book was a bit longer than necessary. Towards the middle to end some things felt repetitive and filler-like. I did have to push myself through some of it more than I would have liked.

⭐️ Overall, what a fun book! This comes out September 9th and you need a refreshing book like this in your hands to help kick off those Fall vibes.

Thank you NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Lauren Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book Ive read from this author and I love everything she writes.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks like a romcom, but it's not! And that's refreshing. I've had mixed feelings about this author. I loved The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks, but was underwhelmed by Must Love Books. However, I really enjoyed this one. It does do that thing where the MC keeps a big secret for the flimsiest of reasons that always annoys me, but other than that, this was great.

Lauryn works at a BIG company with a terrible reputation, especially in her hometown. But when she makes a mistake at work, she's sent back to that hometown she couldn't wait to escape as a punishment and all she wants is to get back. Y'all, the mistake is dumb. If the mistake was taken seriously, she should have been fired and reported to the police. If not, nothing should have happened to her at all. (Read it, you'll see.)

Release Date: 9/9/2025

[Olivia Caridi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, offbeat story about second chances, and not the romantic kind

Lauryn Harper Falls Apart is a cozy, comical small-town story that dares to skip the romance arc—and somehow, it works beautifully. Instead, the focus is on rebuilding a childhood friendship, redefining what success means, and finding one's way back to oneself after losing sight of what truly matters.

Lauryn is ambitious, flawed, and deeply relatable as she’s forced to return to her mustard-flooded hometown (yes, really) after a corporate mishap derails her perfectly planned career. What unfolds is a heartfelt, sometimes hilarious attempt to revive a dying town, an apple festival, and a fractured sense of self—all with the help of an unexpected “Ryser Cares” crew and her once-best friend, Marina.

The story shines in its emotional depth without ever getting too heavy. It’s sweet, a little corny in the best way, and full of lovable, misfit characters that give off strong found-family vibes. Big kudos to the author for writing a biracial, partially deaf protagonist with such care—representation like this matters.


The ending was tender and satisfying, and Lauryn’s journey left me feeling surprisingly nostalgic and seen. If you’re craving a feel-good read with a fresh spin on the "coming home" trope, this one’s worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Carmen Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Can't round up to a 3. I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. First of all, the mc should have been younger, because this would have been much better as YA. I enjoyed the fall coziness and the supporting characters. I didn't like being inside Lauryn 's head at all. She was self-absorbed, overly impulsive, thoughtless and made poor decisions. She did get better in the last third of the book. But, by that time I was exhausted from suspending disbelief that she was a thirty something woman. I highly recommend the author 's other books

[abi ౨ৎ જ⁀➴ catching up!!]

╰┈➤ dnf at 24%

thank you soo so much to netgalley and sourcebooks for this arc

release: sep 9, 2025

I feel so sad dnfing yet another book but with an ever growing tbr and a sorta-semi-slump i really don't want to push through books that I can't realistically see being enjoyable.

I just can't settle for... forgettable. yk?

lets start with what I liked: this book was cute. it had fall vibes which I love. the little timeline between lauryn and her childhood best friend was actually so nostalgic and cute.

however....
lauryn was delusional. her 8 year plan was unrealistic, her mental dialogue was annoying and childish and she acted like a toddler. just all her decisions were so- ugh. I feel frustrated just thinking about the way she behaves.

if I was in a good reading mood and getting through 3+ books per week I could see myself having finished this but it's taking me so long to get through books as it is, without the book being mediocre.

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

I thought this was a fall romance, but NO. It's a funny, poignant story about mending friendships, reassessing your goals, going back to face things you ran away from, and standing up for yourself. I loved the hearing loss rep. My mom had pretty profound hearing loss her whole life and faced some of the same struggles (and comic misunderstandings) that Lauryn did.

After one of those comic misunderstandings angered her boss, Lauryn is banished to a sad office in her former hometown that is basically a rubber room. Then the story brings the fall vibes as Lauryn and her "Slow Horses" colleagues plan to revive a beloved fall festival.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an incident at work, high achiever Lauryn Harper is demoted and forced to move back to her home town. In an attempt to restore her image, get her job back and get back on track for her career plan, she agrees to help host the festival in her home town.

With a hallmarkesque vibe, this small town second chance friendship story is a feel good read. I did find both the plot line and characters somewhat superficial making this an easy quick read. I liked the instances of humor throughout the book. The main character, at times, could be somewhat frustrating given her unintuitive decisions and required some general acceptance of her motives without understanding the reasoning. This would be a good breather book between heavier more emotional books.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told with some humor and snark, this story follows a DC worker set on retiring early from her big pharma job only to get demoted and set to the ancillary office in her small hometown that's been damaged by the very company she works for. I liked the disability rep (Lauryn is deaf in one ear) and that she fights to revive the company sponsored fall charity festival for the town, but the story was a bit slow moving and overall kind of a yawn if I'm totally honest. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper Falls Apart is the story of the aforementioned Lauryn not necessarily falling apart, but being put in a situation where she’s forced to think about what really matters to her. She was willing to work for Ryser, the pinnacle of corporate evil and greed, if it got her out of her Ryser mustard plagued dying small town and on track for early retirement. All she had to do was bury her morals, forego any kind of personal life and live in a dark, soulless apartment on the outskirts of DC. Fat lot of good it does her, because a misunderstanding lands her right back home in Greenstead.

Lauryn is determined to show she’s worthy of getting her job back at Corporate, but that will be hard to do from the Ryser Cares office, which turns out to be where the company sends its screw-ups that it can’t, or won’t, actually fire. But a reconnection with her childhood best friend Marina and her determination to prove that she and her company aren’t horrible leads to a decision to revive the Greenstead Apple Festival, bringing Lauryn, Marina and the Ryser Cares team together to try and revive the community.

Robinson peppers the story with girl from high school we all love to hate and a misfit crew we all want to root for. Truthfully, I wish she’d fleshed out the secondary characters more. I think it would have provided more depth to the story. Nancy the nemesis is more pesky than mean or vindictive. I feel like Lauryn spends too far into the story holding onto the idea of reclaiming a life most readers would see as miserable, instead of being transformed by the difference she’s making in her home community. I like how the book explores her and Marina reconciling their friendship, but this also seems to go through a constant cycle of making progress, then blowing up at each other all over again.

Maybe in a real life situation this is more how things would really play out, but I think I was expecting more warm fuzzies without necessarily the non-romance version of a happily ever after. I enjoyed it, and it was a quick read, but I didn’t fall in love with it. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper had a five-year plan working at Ryser. After a (totally blown out of proportion) mishap at work that plan is blown out of the water. As punishment for the mistake, she is transferred to the Ryser Charity Department, a branch located in her hometown that she had left years ago. Her hometown had been run into the ground by Ryser years ago, and they have been trying to save face ever since. To try and save face upon her return she comes up with a plan. Not only will it help her be accepted, but she hopes to impress her boss enough to allow her back to her old job in the big city. The plan is to resurrect the Greenstead Fall Festival. Lauryn convinces her boss to fund the festival, but it comes with a catch, she wants input into the plans. Lauryn and her fellow employees are not happy about the changes and when a reporter gets wind of the festival and writes an article reminding everyone about what Ryser did to the town years earlier, they pull the plug on the funds and plan to shut down the Charity Office. Somehow Lauryn has to save the festival, and convince her co-workers they have so much more to offer than working for Ryser.

It took me a while to get into this story. I really didn't like Lauryn much at the beginning and thought she was selfish and just out for herself. It turns out that she has some issues surrounding her family and past issues that caused her to make some of the decisions she made. As she got involved in the town, their activities and reconnected with friends, I saw a different Lauryn emerge, one that I liked much better. There is some humour, some serious issues and lots of emotions throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know her co-workers and friends and seeing Lauryn grow and change. Encouraging her co-workers, and seeing them take chances and come out of their shells, added to the story. The festival, the vendors and other townspeople all added to this story and made it end up as a feel good story. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Deanna Anthony and enjoyed her performance.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper had a plan. A high achieving, perfectly constructed, eight-year plan. But after a (totally blown out of proportion) mishap at work that plan is put to the test. As punishment for her mistake she is transferred to the Ryser charity department, a branch that just so happens to be located in the hometown she abandoned long ago.

I enjoyed the diversity in Lauryn. She is biracial and she is also partially deaf. She is a bit stubborn in places and tends to self-sabotage (this got a bit old). But, I enjoyed her intentions. She is going to make the best of her situation!

This story is funny and almost corny in places (I mean, the disaster in the town was it was flooded with mustard😜) but this just worked. This book hit me at just the right time. AND it is not a romance! It is a blend of friendship and family.

There were places I wanted the story to move faster. I also felt it was a bit redundant towards the ending. Almost like the author was trying to make it longer. But, all in all, it is a good read which will leave you smiling.

Need a novel of friendship and “sometimes you have to let go of your plan” novel….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received novel from the publisher for a honest review

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cozy and charming and a perfect read for fall!! This is a story about two childhood best friends who had a falling out. Lauryn had left town and now she’s back after a work…situation…and she has to reunite with Marina to save their hometown through the fall festival that once brought them together.

As a fan of the show Slow Horses, when Lauryn gets assigned to Flop House I couldn’t help but laugh and knew I was in for a treat. Did she deserve to be there? Absolutely not!!! But it makes for a great story line!

I really loved the themes of friendship and forgiveness. Lauryn was trying to navigate being back in her home town, her career path being derailed and facing her ex-best friend. Was it smooth sailing? No, but that’s what makes her experiences feel authentic.

I also liked her new coworkers - they definitely felt like a band of misfits. I also loved the sense of found family - this is one of those books that will definitely leave you smiling!

Also, I never knew I wanted to see an apple cider dunk tank before…but now I do!! Enjoy!

✨What To Expect:
🍁Fall Festival
🎃Cozy Read
🏡Small Town Drama & Shenanigans
✌️Second Chance
🍂Childhood (Ex) Best Friends
🍎Coming Home
🧡Quirky Characters
⭐️Disability Rep
🍏Found Family

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lauryn has learned to compensate for her hearing loss her whole life until one awkward elevator conversation with one of her bosses leads to a demotion from her fancy DC office with all its perks to the Ryser Cares office in Greenstead which is where they send all the slackers when they don't know what to do with them without firing them.
Greenstead happens to be her hometown, so she has mixed feelings, but when she meets the band of misfits that she's now working with, she realizes maybe it's not that bad, especially when they get together to recreate the towns Apple Festival and send a message to the head office that they need to put their money where their mouth is.
Lauryn was able to reflect on her life goals and her priorities when her childhood best friend reconnects with her to help with the festival and at the core it's really a David versus Goliath story.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never connected with a character so personally! Like Lauryn, I’ve lived with hearing loss in my left ear since childhood—the frustration, embarrassment, and constant “What?” is all too real. So from page one, I was completely invested.

Lauryn ends up in her company’s so-called “Charity Outreach Program” (a.k.a. the flop house) after a miscommunication tied to her hearing loss. She joins a ragtag group of employees who were all demoted for hilarious reasons—yet the company can’t fire them because they know too much.

While Lauryn dreams of getting back to her DC job, things take a turn when a childhood friend asks the group to help save a community center. For the first time, these misfits might actually have a purpose—and Lauryn just might prove herself again.

Humorous dialogue, relatable characters, and a team of under dogs makes this FOUR STAR read a delightful workplace dramedy I thoroughly enjoyed!

Look for this gem September 9th, 2025!

Thank you NetGalley, Shauna Robinson, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Ellen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I wasn’t sure how this book would go but I have to say I absolutely loved it! Easy reading, relatable topics with having a job and a less than great workplace, all while navigating old and new friendships - chef’s kiss! Lauryn was very likeable and had me giggling throughout the book. She’s such a relatable main character and her struggles are things we all can understand. I was so eager to see how she worked with Marina given their history. This book had a lot of feel good moments despite the hardships of being employees at a company that doesn’t seem to value them at all!

[Jess---VegasGirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars to Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC.

I'm so glad I got my butt into gear to finish this book by the publication date.

This book has EVERYTHING-

-A cozy, fall atmosphere- Shauna Robinson's descriptive writing always sparkles on the page.
-A freaking Apple Festival- complete with delicious and delectable sounding apple foods.
-A siren call to eat more soft pretzels (minor character was a woman who owned a pretzel shop, and her flavors have me wanting to make a Wetzel's run after work)
-Conflict and drama- lots of conflict. Boy, does Lauryn go through it, does she fall apart, does she find herself stuck in many a pickles! From the very first chapter. How does a quiet fall read have me on the edge of my seat?
-A great redemption arc- I really loved how the story came together at the end.

Go get this book! It's literally out right now. Like now. What are you waiting for?!?

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper’s job is not going as planned. She gets demoted and the job lands her back in her hometown. Now she has to grapple with both scenarios. What will she discover? Can she get her life back in the direction she wants?

An entertaining read that is about friendships and new beginnings! Sometimes you have to step back to figure out your path forward. This is exactly what happened to Lauren Harper! A great book for book clubs as it will lead to many great discussions!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Christie Guillory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauryn Harper Falls Apart was an enjoyable read. The start felt a little slow, but once the delemma has been set and the characters described, you'll become endeared to both.
The book spotlights self reflection, friendships, and overcoming obstacles. It includes some laughable moments, but it's not a romcom (I'm reading some thought it was and was surprised upon reading it). The genre is women's fiction.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review. 8n

[Kaitlyn Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the focus on friendship within this book. Lauryn really has too overcome her inner monologue to embrace her past childhood friendship and then develop relationships with her new coworkers! Unfortunately, her character development doesn't happen until the very end of the novel, which felt heavily delayed. I did like the reminder that we are never stuck in life and that change is possible!!

Thank you Sourcebooks for this review copy!

[Randi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 3.5. I felt Lauryn was a bit of a martyr at times and the central conflict here was a bit annoying, but I appreciated the themes in this book and the fact it focused on self discovery through the lens of friendship and success rather than romance.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Latrice Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. A lot could have been avoided if she had just admitted and reminded people that she can hear out of one ear but it would’ve been a shorter story I guess. Some parts lulled but i liked it overall. It was so refreshing to read a book that was solely about friendship. Usually there’s a romance aspect to cozy fall reads but this was a nice change.

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the Harvest Festival storyline of Parks and Rec, you will LOVE this book! Full of small town resilience, community and connection, Lauryn Harper Falls Apart was the perfect first fall read for me. I’m always a sucker for a small town festival (especially a fall one) and seeing how Lauryn and her coworkers turned friends came together to help their town was so inspiring. There were some absolutely hilarious moments and some truly heartwarming ones that made this book feel like a warm hug. I do need to remind myself to not read a Shauna Robinson book on an empty stomach though. Her food descriptions are always top notch and I found myself furious that I didn’t have a caramel apple or peach funnel cake next to me ready to eat. Also, I have to be honest, I’m kind of sad I can’t try the mustard flavored apple. I absolutely loved this book and Lauryn herself. She was such a complex and wonderful character and seeing her start living for the now and enjoying life was such a beautiful experience. Highly HIGHLY recommend, but I’ll remind you: DO NOT read on an empty stomach!

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital reader’s copy!