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Kirby Falls #2
Leaf It to Me
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.
Candace Judd is part of a legacy. One she up and left when she turned eighteen. While she spent the last seven years collecting degrees and achieving her dreams, her family’s apple farm moved on without her. But now she’s back and nothing about Kirby Falls is how she remembers it--including her family’s newest employee, a certifiable blast from the past. A quiet boy turned flannel-covered mountain man and her distractingly handsome coworker.
Mark Mercer leads a quiet life. He works at Judd’s Orchard. He keeps his head down and avoids the gossip that’s been chasing him around since his divorce. But when his high school crush returns to Kirby Falls unexpectedly, he realizes there is nothing more humbling than having the past come back to bite you. Or even worse, forget you altogether.
Desperate to prove herself, Candace works to find her footing with her family while Mark struggles with the desire to hide himself away. When she takes the time to really look, Candace discovers more than an ally in the rugged farmer.
As days at the orchard become nights spent together under the stars, Mark begins to see that his dream girl is more than the prom queen he remembers. While life shines brighter with Candace by his side, Mark must decide if he’d rather live in the shadows or face his fears once and for all.
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 #2 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘳𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺, 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘩. ‘𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘐𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦’ 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳.
Candace Judd is part of a legacy. One she up and left when she turned eighteen. While she spent the last seven years collecting degrees and achieving her dreams, her family’s apple farm moved on without her. But now she’s back and nothing about Kirby Falls is how she remembers it--including her family’s newest employee, a certifiable blast from the past. A quiet boy turned flannel-covered mountain man and her distractingly handsome coworker.
Mark Mercer leads a quiet life. He works at Judd’s Orchard. He keeps his head down and avoids the gossip that’s been chasing him around since his divorce. But when his high school crush returns to Kirby Falls unexpectedly, he realizes there is nothing more humbling than having the past come back to bite you. Or even worse, forget you altogether.
Desperate to prove herself, Candace works to find her footing with her family while Mark struggles with the desire to hide himself away. When she takes the time to really look, Candace discovers more than an ally in the rugged farmer.
As days at the orchard become nights spent together under the stars, Mark begins to see that his dream girl is more than the prom queen he remembers. While life shines brighter with Candace by his side, Mark must decide if he’d rather live in the shadows or face his fears once and for all.
𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 #2 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘳𝘣𝘺 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘺, 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸-𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘨𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘩. ‘𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘐𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦’ 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳.
Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
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About the author
Laney Hatcher
17 books361 followersSign up for my newsletter: https://bit.ly/3SbXg2v
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
Laney Hatcher is a firm believer that there is a spreadsheet for every occasion and pie is always the answer. She is an author of stories both old and new where the HEAs are always guaranteed. Often too practical for her own good, Laney enjoys her life in the southern United States with her husband, children, and incredibly entitled cat.
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December 11, 2025
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.
Leaf It to Me follows the sizzling slow-burn romance between the town golden girl and the local pariah. Full of small-town charm and cozy heartwarming holiday vibes.
🌲 Christmas Tree Farm
🗻 Cozy Small Town
🍺 Local Pariah
⭐ Town Golden Girl
🌶 Open Door Spice
🎀 Swoony December Romance
★★Grab your copy of Leaf It to Me★★
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December 2, 2024
5/5 Stars | Laney Hatcher does it again
What I liked: I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again as long as she's writing: Laney Hatcher writes stories and characters with DEPTH. This is such a beautiful story about redemption, perfectionism, shame, and trust. This has been my FAVORITE romcom series this year BY FAR. It has some crossover with the first book and the novella in this series, but it's not needed to get the full impact of the story! Candace and Mark 4EVA <3
What I didn't like: I personally wanted the MMC to be pettier, but he's simply too much of a green flag. Alas.
Thank you to Laney Hatcher for an advance copy of this book!
What I liked: I've said it before, and I'll say it again and again as long as she's writing: Laney Hatcher writes stories and characters with DEPTH. This is such a beautiful story about redemption, perfectionism, shame, and trust. This has been my FAVORITE romcom series this year BY FAR. It has some crossover with the first book and the novella in this series, but it's not needed to get the full impact of the story! Candace and Mark 4EVA <3
What I didn't like: I personally wanted the MMC to be pettier, but he's simply too much of a green flag. Alas.
Thank you to Laney Hatcher for an advance copy of this book!
February 5, 2025
"Leaf It to Me" is a heartwarming, slow-burn romance that beautifully blends humor, heat, and a deep sense of personal growth.
Candace Judd’s return to her family’s orchard in Kirby Falls stirs up more than just nostalgia. There’s a journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her past and navigates the complexities of her legacy. The dynamic between Candace and Mark Mercer, high school nerd turned rugged farmer, is nothing short of delightful. The tension between them is tangible, building gradually with each interaction. But it is their quiet, vulnerable moments that truly shine.
Candace is a character you can’t help but root for. Despite her achievements, she struggles with the weight of her perceived family expectations and the desire to prove herself. Mark, on the other hand, is a quiet, brooding figure, reluctant to let go of the past that haunts him. Their relationship feels authentic, filled with moments of humor, tenderness, and undeniable attraction.
The small-town setting of Kirby Falls is the perfect backdrop for this story. The atmosphere is warm and full of charm, with a strong sense of community that is especially present at Judd's Orchard. Candace and Mark have their own personal battles to fight, but they show up for each other in a way that makes their HEA feel earned and heartfelt.
I find myself very attached to the characters in this series and cannot wait for more.
P.S. MARK MERCER MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS
Thank you so much to Laney for this ARC.
Candace Judd’s return to her family’s orchard in Kirby Falls stirs up more than just nostalgia. There’s a journey of self-discovery as she reconnects with her past and navigates the complexities of her legacy. The dynamic between Candace and Mark Mercer, high school nerd turned rugged farmer, is nothing short of delightful. The tension between them is tangible, building gradually with each interaction. But it is their quiet, vulnerable moments that truly shine.
Candace is a character you can’t help but root for. Despite her achievements, she struggles with the weight of her perceived family expectations and the desire to prove herself. Mark, on the other hand, is a quiet, brooding figure, reluctant to let go of the past that haunts him. Their relationship feels authentic, filled with moments of humor, tenderness, and undeniable attraction.
The small-town setting of Kirby Falls is the perfect backdrop for this story. The atmosphere is warm and full of charm, with a strong sense of community that is especially present at Judd's Orchard. Candace and Mark have their own personal battles to fight, but they show up for each other in a way that makes their HEA feel earned and heartfelt.
I find myself very attached to the characters in this series and cannot wait for more.
P.S. MARK MERCER MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS
Thank you so much to Laney for this ARC.
December 1, 2024
Oh my golly, I just loved this sweet small town romance! The pining! Oh my goodness—the pining! Mark has had a thing for Candace since high school and she’s back in town and doesn’t remember the handsome hunk helping her parents as her former classmate. Laney Hatcher does swoon so well. I was wrapped up in all the emotion like it was my favorite cozy blanket. Sibling drama, small town gossip, and even an HEA that made me giggle!
More review to come at LitBuzz!
More review to come at LitBuzz!
September 15, 2025
one of the worst things i've read in a long time. literally nothing happened, it was just paragraphs on paragraphs of internal monologue repeating undying love for the blue ridge mountains, pie and the family farm. when i finally thought i'd get to the good bits it was lukewarm and sentence-short. the characters were generic and american capitalism-pilled, and they couldnt stop wallowing in their senseless guilt. the dual pov didnt provide anything significant. i also did not need to know they sat in specifically adirondack chairs joined together by a small table in the middle. repetitive. the only redeeming quality was that the grammar was mostly correct. boring.
December 18, 2024
I have been so eager for this book's release so I could return to Kirby Falls, NC. I love it there!
Candace Judd’s family owns an apple orchard, and after escaping to NYC for a number of years, the city girl is returning home to help at the farm, rediscover herself, and figure out where she fits in in life. Mark Mercer (or just Mercer) works at the orchard, but he’s no longer the small, nerdy boy from school. He’s grown up in all of the right ways, and I loved the friendship that developed between these two as they worked together. Of course, neither has had an easy journey since their school days, and while Candace is trying to escape some mistakes made in NYC, Mercer is laying low from his past.
The way I love this quiet, broody man. He is just so good and giving and protective and trustworthy, especially considering the not so great hand of cards he was dealt in life. I want to rage for him and what he's been through! And the two of them together just had me swooning. I love Laney’s writing, and I love how their relationship continued to develop throughout as they navigated the hurdles of their pasts…together. Candace’s family is also wonderful, and I’m so excited for the next installment!
Thank you again to Laney for the advance copy!
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
🍎 small town
🍏 slow burn
🍎 workplace romance
🍏 former prom queen
🍎 plant daddy
Candace Judd’s family owns an apple orchard, and after escaping to NYC for a number of years, the city girl is returning home to help at the farm, rediscover herself, and figure out where she fits in in life. Mark Mercer (or just Mercer) works at the orchard, but he’s no longer the small, nerdy boy from school. He’s grown up in all of the right ways, and I loved the friendship that developed between these two as they worked together. Of course, neither has had an easy journey since their school days, and while Candace is trying to escape some mistakes made in NYC, Mercer is laying low from his past.
The way I love this quiet, broody man. He is just so good and giving and protective and trustworthy, especially considering the not so great hand of cards he was dealt in life. I want to rage for him and what he's been through! And the two of them together just had me swooning. I love Laney’s writing, and I love how their relationship continued to develop throughout as they navigated the hurdles of their pasts…together. Candace’s family is also wonderful, and I’m so excited for the next installment!
Thank you again to Laney for the advance copy!
𝚝 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜:
🍎 small town
🍏 slow burn
🍎 workplace romance
🍏 former prom queen
🍎 plant daddy
December 18, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I’ve read a lot of Laney Hatcher books, and this one just might be my favorite 🥹 It’s just this perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and heartwarming romance that I didn’t want to end!
There is instant chemistry between Mark and Candace, and his unrequited high school crush blossoming into so much more gave me all the feels. He is such a nice, good guy and he so deserves someone like Candace to brighten up his life and stand up for him.
One of the best parts about this book is Candace going back home and finding herself and fixing her relationship with her sister, but I also loved the farm setting (especially the Christmas tree part of it) and I could really tell how much research Laney put in to that part of the story. Also, I usually don’t write about bonus epilogues but this is your sign to read the one for this book because it is just so sweet!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I’ve read a lot of Laney Hatcher books, and this one just might be my favorite 🥹 It’s just this perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and heartwarming romance that I didn’t want to end!
There is instant chemistry between Mark and Candace, and his unrequited high school crush blossoming into so much more gave me all the feels. He is such a nice, good guy and he so deserves someone like Candace to brighten up his life and stand up for him.
One of the best parts about this book is Candace going back home and finding herself and fixing her relationship with her sister, but I also loved the farm setting (especially the Christmas tree part of it) and I could really tell how much research Laney put in to that part of the story. Also, I usually don’t write about bonus epilogues but this is your sign to read the one for this book because it is just so sweet!
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December 30, 2024This book was about a girl that loses her job and goes home to the apple orchard to do their marketing. Hit a little too close to home lol
December 12, 2024
ARC REVIEW: Leaf it to Me by Laney Hatcher
We’re back in Kirby Falls for Candace and Mark’s story! 🥰❤️
Candace returns to her family home in Kirby Farms, where Mark works for the Judd Apple Farm. Candace and Mark went to high school together and Candace, embarrassingly, doesn’t even recognize him.
Candace and Mark develop an easy friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship with an end date - since Mark believes Candace is planning on returning to New York. They keep their relationship a secret because Mark, as the town pariah, doesn’t want to tarnish Candace’s reputation.
Laney has done it again 🥹💜💜 this was a lovely small town, slow burn romance. Mark is an absolute gem and must be protected at all costs 😭🫶🏻 he was the perfect sweet and stoic cinnamon roll hero who wears the hell out of a pair of jeans and will make your toes curl. Plus there’s a hair washing scene 🫠 I am utterly deceased.
Candace’s story definitely resonated with me. Returning home after being away can feel like an awkward new beginning and Candace had to take the time to find her new role back in Kirby Falls. I really loved her relationship with her parents and the way they made Mark a part of their family 🥹🥰
Both Candace and Mark experienced a lot of growth in this book. They were so well-rounded and this series really feels like a real town with real people. There are so many characters I love - like I am so excited for Mac and Brady’s book - and it was so fun to find Easter eggs around the town that we saw in book one.
If you’re looking for a cozy small town romance, you’ll love this one! And it’s absolutely perfect for this time of year.
And Mark Mercer get ten thousand forehead kisses 🥰
We’re back in Kirby Falls for Candace and Mark’s story! 🥰❤️
Candace returns to her family home in Kirby Farms, where Mark works for the Judd Apple Farm. Candace and Mark went to high school together and Candace, embarrassingly, doesn’t even recognize him.
Candace and Mark develop an easy friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship with an end date - since Mark believes Candace is planning on returning to New York. They keep their relationship a secret because Mark, as the town pariah, doesn’t want to tarnish Candace’s reputation.
Laney has done it again 🥹💜💜 this was a lovely small town, slow burn romance. Mark is an absolute gem and must be protected at all costs 😭🫶🏻 he was the perfect sweet and stoic cinnamon roll hero who wears the hell out of a pair of jeans and will make your toes curl. Plus there’s a hair washing scene 🫠 I am utterly deceased.
Candace’s story definitely resonated with me. Returning home after being away can feel like an awkward new beginning and Candace had to take the time to find her new role back in Kirby Falls. I really loved her relationship with her parents and the way they made Mark a part of their family 🥹🥰
Both Candace and Mark experienced a lot of growth in this book. They were so well-rounded and this series really feels like a real town with real people. There are so many characters I love - like I am so excited for Mac and Brady’s book - and it was so fun to find Easter eggs around the town that we saw in book one.
If you’re looking for a cozy small town romance, you’ll love this one! And it’s absolutely perfect for this time of year.
And Mark Mercer get ten thousand forehead kisses 🥰
December 17, 2024
J’s ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍎 Small Town
👖 Slow Burn
🍎 Friends to Lovers
👖 Trauma Recovery
🍎 Coming Home
👖 MMC Glow Up
🍎 Work Place Romance
👖 Die Hard is a Christmas Movie
Leaf it to Me is yet another 5 star read from Laney Hatcher! It is the second book in the Kirby Falls series and the town is every bit as lovable as it was before! Leaf it to Me focuses on Candace Judd and Mark Mercer but features cameos from some of the characters you already know and love! Candace is looking to find herself in her hometown of Kirby Falls after living in New York for years and I found her to be so relatable. Her journey of self discovery and learning to deal with the trauma she experienced in New York had me rooting for her throughout the story. Mark is a sweet, protective, walking green flag with a past that is heartbreaking and tugged at my heart strings. Together, Candace and Mark embark on a slow-burn friends to lovers romance that had me swooning! Laney seriously writes the BEST MMCs and Mark might be my favorite to date! One of the best parts of this book was the focus on how the characters healed from their trauma in a way that was honest, mature, and open. While it was still a sweet and swoon-worthy romance, both characters underwent a lot of growth in order to be the best partners for one another. I am totally here for main characters doing the work to heal and entering into healthy romantic relationships. All in all, Leaf it to Me is the perfect small town romance to cozy up with this winter and you should definitely check it out!
🍎 Small Town
👖 Slow Burn
🍎 Friends to Lovers
👖 Trauma Recovery
🍎 Coming Home
👖 MMC Glow Up
🍎 Work Place Romance
👖 Die Hard is a Christmas Movie
Leaf it to Me is yet another 5 star read from Laney Hatcher! It is the second book in the Kirby Falls series and the town is every bit as lovable as it was before! Leaf it to Me focuses on Candace Judd and Mark Mercer but features cameos from some of the characters you already know and love! Candace is looking to find herself in her hometown of Kirby Falls after living in New York for years and I found her to be so relatable. Her journey of self discovery and learning to deal with the trauma she experienced in New York had me rooting for her throughout the story. Mark is a sweet, protective, walking green flag with a past that is heartbreaking and tugged at my heart strings. Together, Candace and Mark embark on a slow-burn friends to lovers romance that had me swooning! Laney seriously writes the BEST MMCs and Mark might be my favorite to date! One of the best parts of this book was the focus on how the characters healed from their trauma in a way that was honest, mature, and open. While it was still a sweet and swoon-worthy romance, both characters underwent a lot of growth in order to be the best partners for one another. I am totally here for main characters doing the work to heal and entering into healthy romantic relationships. All in all, Leaf it to Me is the perfect small town romance to cozy up with this winter and you should definitely check it out!
January 4, 2025
Author Laney Hatcher has hit her stride in her small-town romance era.
Candace Judd learns you can go home again in this second installment in the Kirby Falls series. Candace, a high achieving youth, left her small town behind years ago for an Ivy League education and a big city career. When a setback finds her back in Kirby Falls working at her family’s apple orchard, she realizes that success doesn’t always mean power suits and high paying office jobs.
One of Candace’s new coworkers at the orchard is her former high school classmate Mark Mercer who has had quite the glow up. Despite his crush on Candace returning in full force with her return to Kirby Falls, Mark tries to keep his distance due to his current status as town pariah. Despite what Mark thinks about himself, he is one green flag after another.
These two have a lot of baggage they’ve been lugging around with them. They spend a lot of time working through it in a way that seems realistic and helps them grow together.
Hatcher has created a wonderfully rich and vibrant world in Kirby Falls with strong characters, enchanting places, and engaging story lines. While this story undoubtedly belongs to Candace and Mark, readers will certainly want to linger in Kirby Falls to await the next story in this series.
Candace Judd learns you can go home again in this second installment in the Kirby Falls series. Candace, a high achieving youth, left her small town behind years ago for an Ivy League education and a big city career. When a setback finds her back in Kirby Falls working at her family’s apple orchard, she realizes that success doesn’t always mean power suits and high paying office jobs.
One of Candace’s new coworkers at the orchard is her former high school classmate Mark Mercer who has had quite the glow up. Despite his crush on Candace returning in full force with her return to Kirby Falls, Mark tries to keep his distance due to his current status as town pariah. Despite what Mark thinks about himself, he is one green flag after another.
These two have a lot of baggage they’ve been lugging around with them. They spend a lot of time working through it in a way that seems realistic and helps them grow together.
Hatcher has created a wonderfully rich and vibrant world in Kirby Falls with strong characters, enchanting places, and engaging story lines. While this story undoubtedly belongs to Candace and Mark, readers will certainly want to linger in Kirby Falls to await the next story in this series.
December 9, 2024
As with all of the other Laney Hatcher books I've read, Leaf it to Me did not disappoint. Full of tenderness and wisdom, this love story explores redemption in a beautiful way.
Candace returns to her small town after a traumatic experience in her adopted home of NYC. She immediately meets Mercer (Mark), a former high school classmate she doesn't remember. As they cautiously begin a friendship and develop feelings, truths come out, and true characters are shown.
Laney effortlessly wrote a book with significant themes, but in a way that was still cozy and easy to read. It wasn't heavy, despite the heaviness (does that make sense??).
I loved how both Mark and Candace SHOWED their love. They weren't performative or self serving. They felt with their own trauma, and each other's trauma, in an honest and heartfelt way. I loved how they healed each other and themselves, and understood that the effort to better themselves, the effort to heal was necessary.
Many thanks to Laney for the ARC opportunity. All opinions expressed in this review are unbiased.
Candace returns to her small town after a traumatic experience in her adopted home of NYC. She immediately meets Mercer (Mark), a former high school classmate she doesn't remember. As they cautiously begin a friendship and develop feelings, truths come out, and true characters are shown.
Laney effortlessly wrote a book with significant themes, but in a way that was still cozy and easy to read. It wasn't heavy, despite the heaviness (does that make sense??).
I loved how both Mark and Candace SHOWED their love. They weren't performative or self serving. They felt with their own trauma, and each other's trauma, in an honest and heartfelt way. I loved how they healed each other and themselves, and understood that the effort to better themselves, the effort to heal was necessary.
Many thanks to Laney for the ARC opportunity. All opinions expressed in this review are unbiased.
December 3, 2024
A funny, poignant, and sweet small town romance that you won’t want to miss! This is a standalone in the Kirby Falls series — Candace and Mark are a super sweet couple for two super tortured souls 💓 Candace is a relatable ex-small town sweetheart and has returned to Kirby Falls after being gone since high school to work on her family’s apple orchard/farm where an old classmate —Mark—works. Mark is a quiet, tortured soul with a heart of gold…and apparently with thighs of steel. I never thought I’d have a thigh kink, but here we are. Laney does a beautiful job building real characters you want to root for, with entertaining, hilarious, and fully fleshed out side characters, while layering friend and family conflicts with satisfying endings. If anyone wants to find me I’ll be jonesing for a bubble gum snow cone and looking for a thigh master💓until book 3 comes out!
December 8, 2024
Leaf It To Me was an amazing read! For one I love the title of this book! Sweet cozy small town romance set on a Family Owned Apple Orchard. I love the setting of this book. Just me wrapped up in a blanket reading this cozy slow burn romance! Laney put a lot of thought into her characters and it made the book that much better! It was very well written and so much to take in and totally enjoyed it! I loved how her relationship with her sister got better too! Family is everything! Candace & Mark are amazing for each other! The chemistry and love between them is amazing! Second chances truly do exist! A heartfelt, cute, holiday, cozy, emotional & romantic HEA!
🤍Loved:
Second chances
New beginnings
New relationships
Slow burn
Cozy read
Family
Small town
Romance
Dual POV
HEA
5 ⭐️ from me!
🤍Loved:
Second chances
New beginnings
New relationships
Slow burn
Cozy read
Family
Small town
Romance
Dual POV
HEA
5 ⭐️ from me!
December 17, 2024
I have been Laney Hatcher stan since her first series with smarty-pants romance, and I am loving her new contemporary romance series. First of all, let’s just talk about the cute punny leaf titles! Love them! There is nothing I love more than an inter-connected small town romances series. I love Candace’s coming home story and her intricate family dynamics. I love Marks glow up and I love that ultimately the two of them absolutely work together. Laney Hatcher continues to be one of my most recommended Kindle unlimited authors.
Thank you to the author for the ARC exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the ARC exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2024
“I wanted to be the person she relied on. Her sounding board. A shoulder to cry on.”
I floved Leaf it to Me by Laney Hatcher! After years away from Kirby Falls, Candace Judd is back to help boost the popularity of her family’s farm. Mark fa-reak-ing Mercer!! I cannot get over the hunky, crunchy cinnamon roll with the sweetest heart! His backstory made my heart ache and his deep-seated kindness made me melt. I loved that Candace transformed from the girl who barely noticed him to Mercer’s fiercest champion. From their awkward (re)meet-cute to the heart-obliterating romance and every swoony moment in between, I was hooked on Candace and Mercer! Even considering the sibling shenanigans and complex dynamics, the Judds are the kindest family; I adore how they welcomed Mark in as one of their own. I need to know more about Wenn, I hope Laney gives us more of his story! From start to finish, Leaf It to Me is a wonderful, heartwarming, small-town, high school crush, toasted marshmallow MMC, holiday love story!
I floved Leaf it to Me by Laney Hatcher! After years away from Kirby Falls, Candace Judd is back to help boost the popularity of her family’s farm. Mark fa-reak-ing Mercer!! I cannot get over the hunky, crunchy cinnamon roll with the sweetest heart! His backstory made my heart ache and his deep-seated kindness made me melt. I loved that Candace transformed from the girl who barely noticed him to Mercer’s fiercest champion. From their awkward (re)meet-cute to the heart-obliterating romance and every swoony moment in between, I was hooked on Candace and Mercer! Even considering the sibling shenanigans and complex dynamics, the Judds are the kindest family; I adore how they welcomed Mark in as one of their own. I need to know more about Wenn, I hope Laney gives us more of his story! From start to finish, Leaf It to Me is a wonderful, heartwarming, small-town, high school crush, toasted marshmallow MMC, holiday love story!
December 16, 2024
This is a great addition to the series…Laney writes stories filled with amazing characters, beautiful love stories, awesome families and settings that are so clearly described you feel like you are there.
I absolutely adored these characters and this story. This small town romance will warm your heart and make you crave some apple pie and cider!
Candace and Mark both are hiding secrets, are very guarded and have trouble trusting others. As they spend time together, communicate and open up to one another they realize they can trust one another, share hidden feelings and be supportive partners. They bring the best out in each other, are fiercely protective and help build each other’s confidence.
A wonderful and heartwarming read.
I absolutely adored these characters and this story. This small town romance will warm your heart and make you crave some apple pie and cider!
Candace and Mark both are hiding secrets, are very guarded and have trouble trusting others. As they spend time together, communicate and open up to one another they realize they can trust one another, share hidden feelings and be supportive partners. They bring the best out in each other, are fiercely protective and help build each other’s confidence.
A wonderful and heartwarming read.
December 13, 2024
Oh my goodness, I just adored Mark and Candace together so much. They both seemed so different at first but they were just what the other needed. I really enjoy Laney Hatcher’s writing. She includes just enough sweet and spice and always tells a great story with lots of details that I love in a book. This has been the most fun series and I can’t wait for more.
December 29, 2024
Well I freaking loved this book. I thought there was great chemistry between Candace and Mark - their slow burn romance worked so well for me. Mark was the absolute sweetest and all I wanted was for everything to work out for him. And best believe I was living for that moment when Candace stood up for Mark, she was not going to back down and I loved her for it. This story gave me everything and I cannot wait to return for book three.
January 5, 2025
I adored being back in Kirby Falls. It’s a great small town. Lots of fun places where the stories take place. The orchard. The farm. The farmers market. The grocery store. The locals favorite places. It’s just like a small town. Candace has returned home after being in the big city. She soon discovers Mercer is a former classmate. She didn’t recognize him after his glowup. I really enjoyed seeing Candace and Mark getting to know each again. Building a relationship. The slow burn and pining was fantastic. Mark and Candace both came with baggage. It was lovely to watch them navigate everything to get to their HEA.
January 14, 2025
Laney Hatcher never disappoints! I loved her historical romance series and was very excited she started a small town series. I'm loving this series and I'm in love with Kirby Falls, so I hope we get to stay here a while.
December 18, 2024
Thank you Laney Hatcher for an eARC copy of Leaf It To Me. Here is my honest review.
Really though, Candace and Mark are everything. I know Laney was a little hesitant about writing small town but I can honestly say she had nothing to worry about. I fall more in love with Kirby Falls as we go.
Candace is the girl coming home and looking for approval after "screwing up" her life in the big city. She comes back home and not everyone on the farm is excited she's back. She deals with the fears of wasting her parents time and money, not being good enough for her sister and overall the embarrassment of why she had to come back home.
Mark is, oh man....he's my new favorite man written by Laney. Stoic, supportive, and just such a green flag of a guy. He took on so much from the town in order to protect others. I'm so glad he was able to live in truth at the end.
And if you don't read and cry during the epilogue then dishonor on you and your cow.
Really though, Candace and Mark are everything. I know Laney was a little hesitant about writing small town but I can honestly say she had nothing to worry about. I fall more in love with Kirby Falls as we go.
Candace is the girl coming home and looking for approval after "screwing up" her life in the big city. She comes back home and not everyone on the farm is excited she's back. She deals with the fears of wasting her parents time and money, not being good enough for her sister and overall the embarrassment of why she had to come back home.
Mark is, oh man....he's my new favorite man written by Laney. Stoic, supportive, and just such a green flag of a guy. He took on so much from the town in order to protect others. I'm so glad he was able to live in truth at the end.
And if you don't read and cry during the epilogue then dishonor on you and your cow.
January 23, 2025
Leaf it to Me
This can be read as a standalone but is book 2 of the Kirby Falls series, and I recommend starting from the beginning as the books do intermingle on their time lines.
This is about the prom queen who left town for high flying New York, and the skinny need who had a secret crush on her at school. When she returns home under a secret cloud, he has had a massive glow-up so she doesn't recognise him. He is also being shunned by the locals because of something that happened in her absence.
A great story of secrets, trust and lies, with added comedy from some of the additional characters.
This can be read as a standalone but is book 2 of the Kirby Falls series, and I recommend starting from the beginning as the books do intermingle on their time lines.
This is about the prom queen who left town for high flying New York, and the skinny need who had a secret crush on her at school. When she returns home under a secret cloud, he has had a massive glow-up so she doesn't recognise him. He is also being shunned by the locals because of something that happened in her absence.
A great story of secrets, trust and lies, with added comedy from some of the additional characters.
December 24, 2024
This book was fun but a bit of a letdown for me after the first Kirby Falls book.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and fun banter between the characters throughout the story.
Small town quirkness is one of my favorite things. In this case though, the town, or at least the half that was harassing the MMC, annoyed me. I feel like there wasn't enough "retribution" for the MMC after the treatment described in the book. They treated him as a pariah to the point he was having a panic attack like response but his ex and her family never really had to pay for their treatment of him. It felt unresolved.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and fun banter between the characters throughout the story.
Small town quirkness is one of my favorite things. In this case though, the town, or at least the half that was harassing the MMC, annoyed me. I feel like there wasn't enough "retribution" for the MMC after the treatment described in the book. They treated him as a pariah to the point he was having a panic attack like response but his ex and her family never really had to pay for their treatment of him. It felt unresolved.
December 10, 2024
I received an ARC from the author today.
10 *. This was the perfect love story and I read it at the best time of the year. Mercer was the best and this couple so deserved their HEA. The epilogue was wonderful. I can't wait for the next book in this series. These characters are all the best. And the cover for this book is one of my favorites of this year.
10 *. This was the perfect love story and I read it at the best time of the year. Mercer was the best and this couple so deserved their HEA. The epilogue was wonderful. I can't wait for the next book in this series. These characters are all the best. And the cover for this book is one of my favorites of this year.
January 14, 2025
Loved this story!
I loved the way this played out. Candace and Mark are SO cute together. I loved how Candace confronted his "past" and how they both grew together in this book.
I'm loving this series but a bit desperate for all the stories I want to read that have yet to be written. Joan, Brady, Larry, and of course Bonnie all helped make this story magical.
Looking forward to the next one!
I loved the way this played out. Candace and Mark are SO cute together. I loved how Candace confronted his "past" and how they both grew together in this book.
I'm loving this series but a bit desperate for all the stories I want to read that have yet to be written. Joan, Brady, Larry, and of course Bonnie all helped make this story magical.
Looking forward to the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
4.5
I enjoyed this sweet small town romance. Mark having a past that he drowns himself in, Candace also having a past that she is trying to hide from all while working on their feelings for each other while working on her families farm. This was fun, I enjoyed their romance, feeling like high school kids sneaking back into the house in the morning. 😂 I loved her family and how supportive they are of her and even of Mark. They took him in and never got in his business while he worked on their farm and became part of the family. I also liked seeing the sisters work through their differences. It's hard having a large sibling age gap and trying to see someone as older instead of just the annoying kid sister. A very family oriented story and I loved it! Definitely recommend.
I enjoyed this sweet small town romance. Mark having a past that he drowns himself in, Candace also having a past that she is trying to hide from all while working on their feelings for each other while working on her families farm. This was fun, I enjoyed their romance, feeling like high school kids sneaking back into the house in the morning. 😂 I loved her family and how supportive they are of her and even of Mark. They took him in and never got in his business while he worked on their farm and became part of the family. I also liked seeing the sisters work through their differences. It's hard having a large sibling age gap and trying to see someone as older instead of just the annoying kid sister. A very family oriented story and I loved it! Definitely recommend.
April 25, 2025
I loved this book. You know it's good when you stay up until 230am to finish it.
December 2, 2024
"... I've never had someone who was all mine. A person who'd stand between me and the rest of the ---- world. Some who'd put me first, no questions asked. I didn't know what to do with that kind of love .... I didn't know I deserved it."
If you haven't already fallen in love with Kirby Falls, get ready to swoon. Leaf it to Me is all about second-chances, new beginnings and SLOW-BURN. Oh my goodness! the slow-burn tension Laney Hatcher creates for Candance and Mark will have you at the edge of the page in eager anticipation. Filled with emotion, heart, steam, laughter, and fantastic characters Kirby Falls will quickly become your favorite place to visit for a guaranteed happily ever after.
Mackenzie (Mac) and Brady's story in Leaf and Let Die is coming May 27, 2025 and I CANNOT wait for the rivals/enemies to lovers vibe; it's going to be so much fun!
Be sure to check out the rest of the series:
Love 'Em of Leaf 'Em (Kirby Falls#0.5) FREE newsletter novella: https://laneyhatcher.com/kirby-falls-...
Take It or Leaf It
Leaf It to Me
Leaf and Let Die: An Enemies to Lovers Small Town Romance
If you haven't already fallen in love with Kirby Falls, get ready to swoon. Leaf it to Me is all about second-chances, new beginnings and SLOW-BURN. Oh my goodness! the slow-burn tension Laney Hatcher creates for Candance and Mark will have you at the edge of the page in eager anticipation. Filled with emotion, heart, steam, laughter, and fantastic characters Kirby Falls will quickly become your favorite place to visit for a guaranteed happily ever after.
Mackenzie (Mac) and Brady's story in Leaf and Let Die is coming May 27, 2025 and I CANNOT wait for the rivals/enemies to lovers vibe; it's going to be so much fun!
Be sure to check out the rest of the series:
Love 'Em of Leaf 'Em (Kirby Falls#0.5) FREE newsletter novella: https://laneyhatcher.com/kirby-falls-...
Take It or Leaf It
Leaf It to Me
Leaf and Let Die: An Enemies to Lovers Small Town Romance
December 19, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 When Candance posts Mark/Mercer on social media! Take me to Judd’s Apple Orchard where Mark Mercer is the lumbersnack in the white t-shirt on Instagram!
🤩 Both back stories of our MCs are interesting and give us those need-to-know feels and longing for them to be open and honest with each other.
🤩 Candace Judd is spunky and hilarious, giving us some great laugh out loud moments. I adore how she appreciates her family and gently wants to help the family orchard with her marketing skills.
🤩 When we find out what an extra amazing man Mark Mercer is—total book boyfriend material. Plus, I can’t help but love me a hottie with an agronomy degree!
🤩 Good ol’ small-town feels. And drama.
🤩 The restaurants are my favorite—I want to have lunch at Lonely Mountain Winery and see a local band at Firefly Cider, while trying the seasonal drinks.
🤩 That scrumptious almost kiss gave me longing for more.
🤩 From trying to stay in the friend zone to maybe more but let’s keep it temporary and secret—sneaking around is so fun!
🤩 Steamy times that make your whole body tingle. I especially love the wool socks, black sweatshirt, and bathtub moments.
🤩 The office epilogue—yes, please!
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I wish chapter four was chapter two for that ready to binge, just one more chapter, feeling. I felt impatient waiting until 15% to get a good interaction between the MCs. But then it got so good and totally captivated me.
💫 I’m so looking forward to Mac & Brady’s story.
💫 And if Bonnie gets a divorce, can we please find her a bad boy who treats her right?!
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 When Candance posts Mark/Mercer on social media! Take me to Judd’s Apple Orchard where Mark Mercer is the lumbersnack in the white t-shirt on Instagram!
🤩 Both back stories of our MCs are interesting and give us those need-to-know feels and longing for them to be open and honest with each other.
🤩 Candace Judd is spunky and hilarious, giving us some great laugh out loud moments. I adore how she appreciates her family and gently wants to help the family orchard with her marketing skills.
🤩 When we find out what an extra amazing man Mark Mercer is—total book boyfriend material. Plus, I can’t help but love me a hottie with an agronomy degree!
🤩 Good ol’ small-town feels. And drama.
🤩 The restaurants are my favorite—I want to have lunch at Lonely Mountain Winery and see a local band at Firefly Cider, while trying the seasonal drinks.
🤩 That scrumptious almost kiss gave me longing for more.
🤩 From trying to stay in the friend zone to maybe more but let’s keep it temporary and secret—sneaking around is so fun!
🤩 Steamy times that make your whole body tingle. I especially love the wool socks, black sweatshirt, and bathtub moments.
🤩 The office epilogue—yes, please!
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I wish chapter four was chapter two for that ready to binge, just one more chapter, feeling. I felt impatient waiting until 15% to get a good interaction between the MCs. But then it got so good and totally captivated me.
💫 I’m so looking forward to Mac & Brady’s story.
💫 And if Bonnie gets a divorce, can we please find her a bad boy who treats her right?!
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