Pumpkin Spice Lane

by Kayla Lowe, Virtual Voice (narrator)

Welcome to Maplewood, where pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor—it’s a way of life!

Eliza Frost, the quirky owner of The Cozy Cup café, is determined to make this year’s Pumpkin Spice Lane Festival the best one yet. Tradition is everything to her, and she’s ready to protect the town’s charming character at all costs. But when Eliza’s old crush, Barry Armstrong—now a handsome and ambitious developer—returns to Maplewood with big ideas for modernization, Eliza’s world is turned upside down.

When the two are forced to team up for the festival’s first-ever Pumpkin Spice Showdown, their playful rivalry heats up as much as their undeniable chemistry. Amid pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving, and hilarious mishaps, Eliza starts to see a softer side of Barry, one that makes her question her stance on change—and her heart.

But just when it seems their budding romance is ready to bloom, Barry’s big plans for Maplewood threaten to tear them apart. Can Eliza and Barry find common ground in their dreams for the town, or will their love—and the festival’s magic—slip away?

Full of laughter, love, and the perfect touch of autumn spice, Pumpkin Spice Lane is a heartwarming Christian rom-com about embracing change, finding faith, and falling in love when you least expect it.

Genres: Christian

Audible Audio

Published October 12, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Kayla Lowe writes women's fiction that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. Kayla’s books delve into the intricacies of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. From cozy love stories interspersed with a bit of faith to heartwarming tales of friendship and suspenseful novels of empowerment and heartbreak, her books illustrate the struggles specific to women.

When she’s not churning out her next novel, you can find her with her feet in the sand and a book in her hand or curled up on the couch with her dogs.

Go to www.authorkaylalowe.com for a free book!

Reviews

[Audra PC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 for me.

This story focuses on Eliza and Barry, two high school sweethearts that didn’t quite work out back then. Now, many years later, he’s made a big name for himself. And guess who’s moving back to town?

“her emotions a pumpkin spice latte of confusion—warm, spicy, and way too complicated.”

Eliza loves her hometown feel and doesn’t want to town to change. Yet she can’t help but get those butterflies when Barry enters the room.

“You're just caught up in the moment. This is still Barry, the guy who wants to change everything about Maplewood.”

This small town clean, no spice romance. Is just that. A second chance to see if there is something still between the two. This happens when both decide to take on the project of the towns pumpkin fest. And let me tell you, I laughed out loud at the festival itself. It’s completely worth it!

“The warm scent of pumpkin spice that had permeated the air now seemed to mock her.”

Please note: this book does have a consistent religious undertone including a few one line prayers and a few mentions of lords name.

“Let's just say my pumpkin pie skills need some divine intervention.”

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance? Check.
Set in a small town? Mhm!
Great for fall? Definitely!
Cute story that I wouldn't mind reading over and over again? Yes!
Did it make me wish this was longer so I wouldn't have to leave the characters so soon? Um... absolutely!!

Seriously, this made me want to go grab a pumpkin spice latte and a cozy blanket!! Definitely recommend!

*I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Precisely the Hallmark style autumn themed frivolity I expected. Clean, if sometimes silly, romance and abundant pumpkin charm.

Audio version is AI voiced, which is definitely the biggest drawback of this novella.

[Emily Abrahams · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn’t a lot of attention to detail but was a cozy and quick read, there were funny moments and it was very easy to read in one go as the pace was quick

[Teija Hemphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely phenomenal. The characters and theme reminded me of a Hallmark movie. If you are into a soft romance and love everything fall this book is definitely for you. I can't wait to read more about the characters and what the future holds for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor Augustine · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Pumpkin Spice Lane by Kayla Lowe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This was such a cozy, feel-good fall read. The small-town charm, pumpkin spice vibes, and sweet romance made it the perfect seasonal book. The characters were warm and easy to connect with, and the setting gave me all the autumn feels—like wrapping up in a blanket with a latte in hand.

Some parts moved a little slow, which kept it from being a full 5/5 for me, but overall it was heartwarming and just right for the season.

If you liked: Pumpkin Spice Café or The Cozy Hideaway, you’ll enjoy this one.

Recommended for: anyone wanting a sweet, cozy fall romance with lots of pumpkin spice atmosphere.

📚 4/5 stars – a perfect autumn weekend read!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pumpkin Spice Lane is a cozy, relaxing, afternoon read; perfect for snuggling under a warm quilt with a cup of Eliza's famous pumpkin spice latte. Kayla Lowe paints beautiful pictures with her words. She makes the reader feel like a part of this close knit community. The reader will fill the tension between Eliza and Barry as it ebbs & flows like a roller coaster. This is a clean, wholesome romance with a message of hope & forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this fall themed romance book by Kayla. It reminds me a sweet and romantic Hallmark movie. This book was so well written that I could actually picture the setting as well as the smells at times. She has a wonderful way of making you fall in love with Barry and Eliza's story from the very beginning. I will be reading more books by this author in the future I know that much, and you should as well if you enjoy reading sweet romance books.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful second chance romantic comedy in a small town. With the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud scenes, a touch of faith and heart-warming moments, you'll fall in love with this sweet story. Loved the story line, writing style and colorful characters. It's short, clean and pumkin everything! Pumpkin Spice Lane is such a good, entertaining story, it would make a wonderful Hallmark movie. A really fun read.

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super cute bite sized romcom! Small town, festival, holiday theme- what more can you ask for?! A second chance at an ( almost) high school sweetheart (we’ve all been there lol). The characters make each other better, while still building on their own strengths. I also personally love the incorporation of faith and God. Definitely add this to my yearly holiday list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordyn Woolsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read to try to help me fall asleep after reading a different, disturbing story… all I could focus on was how the author was inconsistent with details (example: the eye color of one of the characters changed from chapter to chapter, among other things)… maybe it’s because I’m not a big romance reader but the ending had me rolling my eyes big time 😬 a more realistic ending & better attention to detail would have made this a 3 star read.

[Karelyn Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pumpkin Spice Lane was fun to read. All the wonderful food aroma descriptions and fall-related scents and sights made me feel like I was right there in this charming setting. I also really enjoyed the lighthearted banter and competition between the main characters. This story is perfect to while away a cool autumn afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Olivia Gloria Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Who knew that a dash of pumpkin spice could lead to such a perfect blend?” ☕️🍂


3.5 ⭐️


+ lovely fall novella; the atmosphere and community gave the fall feels 😊

+ the love that Eliza had for her cafe, the people around her was nice; the festival I adored

+ I wish Eliza and Barry had more time to build their relationship, seemed slightly rushed

+ definitely would like to visit The Cozy Cup Cafe

+ the different fall activities to do I loved as a fall girly myself ♥️

[Savannah Irwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick and cute palette cleanser for fall and definitely had some cute moments. I do think the story could’ve been developed way more and had more of an arc for readers to connect to the main characters. I do like that the author had some religious references and moments in there bringing me back to when I was in catholic school as a child. I wouldn’t go out of my way to read this but if you need something quick and give fall vibes this is an option to read.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embracing change while still holding onto tradition is the theme of this story. It brings two people from the past back together and their growing love is slowly changing them both and the small town, all for the better. It's a sweet and clean romance that's filled with goodness at heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cottage_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

A sweet, quick autumn read for the season 🍁

I really enjoyed the Gilmore Girls vibes and all the autumn fun and festivities.

I recommend this book if you are looking for:
🍁 short story
🍁 clean romance
🍁 second chance romance
🍁 cozy vibes

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once high school sweethearts, separated by time and distance. Now he's back, but why? Are his plans going to help bring things together or cause devision? What will it take to get them on the same side?.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title really nails it- it's perfectly fall themed, it is definitely cozy; great for a feel-good reading! It's sweet, but not too sweet, flows great, and the characters are well defined. You enjoy this book. It's a quick read, but very enjoyable! Great small town vibes.

[Shade Shaffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute novella for a pallet cleaner to get you in a fall mood. Even though it’s short, it could have been a wonderful fall read if there had been more descriptive writing to really pull the reader into the scenes. There is ambiance and even basic descriptions left to be desired.

[Virginia Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was guiltily DELIGHTED in this book called Pumpkin Spice Lane. 🤣❤️ I felt like I was reading an autumn-themed Hallmark movie script. Lowe is such a BEAUTIFUL writer.

What makes this place special is the people in it,”. 💌

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read. I enjoyed the storyline from start to finish. A sweet read too. Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[McKinsey Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. Short and sweet just like a pumpkin spice treat. If you love fall movies from Hallmark with a bit of faith sprinkled in, you’ll love this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. Eliza and Barry dated in high school. Now he's returned to toen, but why? Can these two come to an agreement and have a future? Enjoyed this book! Received a free copy.

[Charlotte Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Audiobook listen

Not my cup of tea for books. It was a cute little story. This may be better as a read than a listen. Not bad! Cute little romance.

[reilly paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

very insta-love

[Danielle Hofmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audiobook is narrated by a computer automated voice, and it completely ruins the book.

[Cindi Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Very very short and not really very developed.

[Marsha Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need a pumpkin spice latte now.

[Andreah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very hallmark movie but like even less. And I wouldn’t suggest an AI narrator