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Beneath the Harvest Moon: A Small Town Romance
Sade Morgan’s world is built on soil, sacrifice, and the unwavering love she has for her son, Eli. As the owner of a beloved pumpkin farm in Statesville, North Carolina, she’s long since traded in dreams of romance for harvest seasons and hayrides. But when Lorenzo Tate, her childhood best friend and first love, returns to town after a failed marriage, his quiet strength stirs everything she thought she had buried.
As the crisp days of fall settle in and the scent of cider and woodsmoke fills the air, long-forgotten feelings begin to surface. But beneath the golden leaves and late-night bonfires, unresolved wounds and painful truths press in around them. Just as Sade begins to hope for a second chance at love, the past resurfaces with questions that could change everything.
Tangled in tenderness, slow-burning romance, and the resilience of a small town in autumn, Beneath the Harvest Moon is a heartfelt story of healing, homecoming, and the courage it takes to let love in when it matters most.
As the crisp days of fall settle in and the scent of cider and woodsmoke fills the air, long-forgotten feelings begin to surface. But beneath the golden leaves and late-night bonfires, unresolved wounds and painful truths press in around them. Just as Sade begins to hope for a second chance at love, the past resurfaces with questions that could change everything.
Tangled in tenderness, slow-burning romance, and the resilience of a small town in autumn, Beneath the Harvest Moon is a heartfelt story of healing, homecoming, and the courage it takes to let love in when it matters most.
- GenresRomance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 21, 2025
Thank you LB Gains and Love in Color Books for this ARC opportunity.
Make sure to read the triggers to have a heads up.
Thank you LB Gains and Love in Color Books for this ARC opportunity.
Make sure to read the triggers to have a heads up.
This book not only gave me all the feelings from happy, upset, love, hurt and everything else. It also gave the warm cozy in love vibes. All the beauty of a small town with big secrets. Add the second chance in there and you have a winner winner chicken dinner. LB has done an amazing job in every book I’ve read with making her characters and their stories feel so real. So of course this one is no different.
Sade just like anyone did not deserve what that man, who shall not be named, did to her. Jealousy is one strong drug. I’m glad she was able to pull through getting the truth out in the open. The magic really started when Sade and Lorenzo finally came together to talk about their past and the miscommunication. This really helped them to move forward. These two never stopped being the one for each other. Yes life took them on different paths for the moment but it was always going to be them. They are a small town love story come true. Eli was an absolute gem.
Story is perfect for any season. However, read during fall with your favorite hot beverage and snuggle up for the ride.
Make sure to read the triggers to have a heads up.
Thank you LB Gains and Love in Color Books for this ARC opportunity.
Make sure to read the triggers to have a heads up.
This book not only gave me all the feelings from happy, upset, love, hurt and everything else. It also gave the warm cozy in love vibes. All the beauty of a small town with big secrets. Add the second chance in there and you have a winner winner chicken dinner. LB has done an amazing job in every book I’ve read with making her characters and their stories feel so real. So of course this one is no different.
Sade just like anyone did not deserve what that man, who shall not be named, did to her. Jealousy is one strong drug. I’m glad she was able to pull through getting the truth out in the open. The magic really started when Sade and Lorenzo finally came together to talk about their past and the miscommunication. This really helped them to move forward. These two never stopped being the one for each other. Yes life took them on different paths for the moment but it was always going to be them. They are a small town love story come true. Eli was an absolute gem.
Story is perfect for any season. However, read during fall with your favorite hot beverage and snuggle up for the ride.
September 25, 2025
Thank you LB Gains and Love in Color Books for the e-ARC!
Beneath the Harvest Moon, and it's a deeply emotional story about first love coming back around. This small town romance really got to me, exploring all the messy avenues of second chances.
The story centers on Sade Morgan, her whole life is her pumpkin farm in North Carolina and her son, Eli. She put her dreams of love on the shelf a long time ago and focused on keeping everything stable. But then Lorenzo Tate, her first love, returns to town to handle some family business.
Sade and Lorenzo’s reunion is packed with old hurts, things they never talked about, and this magnetic chemistry that never really went away. I was able to witness themes of sacrifice, healing, and the enduring power of love against a lovely, small town backdrop.
Sade is stronger than she even realizes💪🏾. She is a truly selfless mother, determined to protect her child and her life, and I rooted for her on every page. Then Lorenzo 🥰 He is a complete breath of fresh air and a beautiful contrast to Sade's struggles. He is so sweet, patient, gentle, and tender with her, making sure he proves his love through his actions more than his words. I just adored the way he stepped up.
Derek.....just know he PMO and I had to step away from the book because I wanted to square up with him👊🏾 Shout out to the author for writing a side character that got me so worked up 😂
If you love a romance that feels rooted in real life and focuses on the tough journey toward finding your way back to someone, you have to read this book.
Beneath the Harvest Moon, and it's a deeply emotional story about first love coming back around. This small town romance really got to me, exploring all the messy avenues of second chances.
The story centers on Sade Morgan, her whole life is her pumpkin farm in North Carolina and her son, Eli. She put her dreams of love on the shelf a long time ago and focused on keeping everything stable. But then Lorenzo Tate, her first love, returns to town to handle some family business.
Sade and Lorenzo’s reunion is packed with old hurts, things they never talked about, and this magnetic chemistry that never really went away. I was able to witness themes of sacrifice, healing, and the enduring power of love against a lovely, small town backdrop.
Sade is stronger than she even realizes💪🏾. She is a truly selfless mother, determined to protect her child and her life, and I rooted for her on every page. Then Lorenzo 🥰 He is a complete breath of fresh air and a beautiful contrast to Sade's struggles. He is so sweet, patient, gentle, and tender with her, making sure he proves his love through his actions more than his words. I just adored the way he stepped up.
Derek.....just know he PMO and I had to step away from the book because I wanted to square up with him👊🏾 Shout out to the author for writing a side character that got me so worked up 😂
If you love a romance that feels rooted in real life and focuses on the tough journey toward finding your way back to someone, you have to read this book.
September 15, 2025
Thank you to L.B. Gaines for my advance copy of Beneath the Harvest Moon. This story carried the warmth of autumn and the ache of memory, wrapping me in a slow, steady tenderness.
Sade’s devotion to her son was grounding, and even with all she endured, her reunion with Lorenzo felt like watching love return in small, fragile steps. Their history was heavy, but the quiet strength between them made me root for the possibility of healing and second chances.
What I loved most is how Gaines showed love as both comfort and courage. It is not just romance; it is about coming home to yourself and choosing to open the door again, even when the past lingers.
A book that settles into you like the scent of cider and woodsmoke on a fall night.
Sade’s devotion to her son was grounding, and even with all she endured, her reunion with Lorenzo felt like watching love return in small, fragile steps. Their history was heavy, but the quiet strength between them made me root for the possibility of healing and second chances.
What I loved most is how Gaines showed love as both comfort and courage. It is not just romance; it is about coming home to yourself and choosing to open the door again, even when the past lingers.
A book that settles into you like the scent of cider and woodsmoke on a fall night.
October 25, 2025
4⭐️
"Truth doesn't ruin everything. It just clears the fog."
"And if I don't like what I see in the sunlight?"
"You'll still be standing in it."
I want to move to Statesville, NC and experience the coziness of Autumn because of this book!
The author did an amazing job setting every scene. No matter if we're at the Fall Festival, pumpkin patch, maze, drinking hot apple cider, at the pumpkin farm, etc it felt like a cozy Fall hug.
The MMC might make some of your book bae lists! 😉
I was not expecting the twist this one took! it definitely gave a thrill.
I'm so glad Sade had Lyla. Found family can be there for you more than the family you are given. I'm so glad Sade got to tell her truth🤎
*This one was unexpectedly heavy... check your triggers!
"Truth doesn't ruin everything. It just clears the fog."
"And if I don't like what I see in the sunlight?"
"You'll still be standing in it."
I want to move to Statesville, NC and experience the coziness of Autumn because of this book!
The author did an amazing job setting every scene. No matter if we're at the Fall Festival, pumpkin patch, maze, drinking hot apple cider, at the pumpkin farm, etc it felt like a cozy Fall hug.
The MMC might make some of your book bae lists! 😉
I was not expecting the twist this one took! it definitely gave a thrill.
I'm so glad Sade had Lyla. Found family can be there for you more than the family you are given. I'm so glad Sade got to tell her truth🤎
*This one was unexpectedly heavy... check your triggers!
November 24, 2025
OMG whew — I really enjoyed reading Beneath the Harvest Moon. It’s such a heartfelt, emotional, romantic, and sweet small-town novel centered on a woman named Sade, who owns her own business and ends up reuniting with her high school sweetheart. The story touches on so many powerful themes: love, grief, sexual assault, forgiveness, second chances, healing, and resilience.
Sade is such an inspiration. She survived so much — the trauma of being sexually assaulted, the loss of her father, and becoming a single mother while running her own business. Despite everything, she remained strong and determined.
Lorenzo was Sade’s high school sweetheart. They broke up, and soon after, Sade was assaulted. When she became pregnant, she wasn’t sure who the father of her son was. Deep down she hoped it was Lorenzo, but her shame and pain kept her from reaching out.
A decade later, Lorenzo returns to their hometown to take care of his father after a stroke. He and Sade cross paths again, and OMG — their love story is so beautiful and heartwarming. It wasn’t perfect, but they were truly meant for each other. Lorenzo treated Sade like a queen. He was kind, thoughtful, understanding, loving, and considerate. He made her feel seen. He valued her deeply. And he was fiercely protective of both Sade and their son, Eli.
Derek was a monster. He assaulted Sade at that high school party, and unfortunately she became pregnant, leaving her unsure who Eli’s father was. Derek tried to claim Eli, but he never did anything to actually be in the child’s life. A decade later, he returned to town pretending to be a coach at Eli’s school.
Derek had always been extremely jealous and envious of Lorenzo — even back in high school. He wanted everything Lorenzo had, from his GPA to his girlfriend, Sade. In the book, Derek even admitted that he assaulted Sade just to hurt Lorenzo. And years later, he kidnapped their son for the same reason — out of pure hatred, envy, and obsession.
I was SO relieved when Sade finally learned that Derek was not Eli’s biological father, and even happier that Derek went to prison for the crimes he committed.
The ending was absolutely beautiful. Lorenzo and Sade got married and welcomed another child, a baby girl. This story was cozy, warm, emotional, and perfect for autumn — even with the heavy themes. I smiled, cried, and had so many jaw-dropping moments.
This is a phenomenal read, and I can’t wait to read more of L.B. Gaines’ work. I highly recommend this book. 10000/10.
Sade is such an inspiration. She survived so much — the trauma of being sexually assaulted, the loss of her father, and becoming a single mother while running her own business. Despite everything, she remained strong and determined.
Lorenzo was Sade’s high school sweetheart. They broke up, and soon after, Sade was assaulted. When she became pregnant, she wasn’t sure who the father of her son was. Deep down she hoped it was Lorenzo, but her shame and pain kept her from reaching out.
A decade later, Lorenzo returns to their hometown to take care of his father after a stroke. He and Sade cross paths again, and OMG — their love story is so beautiful and heartwarming. It wasn’t perfect, but they were truly meant for each other. Lorenzo treated Sade like a queen. He was kind, thoughtful, understanding, loving, and considerate. He made her feel seen. He valued her deeply. And he was fiercely protective of both Sade and their son, Eli.
Derek was a monster. He assaulted Sade at that high school party, and unfortunately she became pregnant, leaving her unsure who Eli’s father was. Derek tried to claim Eli, but he never did anything to actually be in the child’s life. A decade later, he returned to town pretending to be a coach at Eli’s school.
Derek had always been extremely jealous and envious of Lorenzo — even back in high school. He wanted everything Lorenzo had, from his GPA to his girlfriend, Sade. In the book, Derek even admitted that he assaulted Sade just to hurt Lorenzo. And years later, he kidnapped their son for the same reason — out of pure hatred, envy, and obsession.
I was SO relieved when Sade finally learned that Derek was not Eli’s biological father, and even happier that Derek went to prison for the crimes he committed.
The ending was absolutely beautiful. Lorenzo and Sade got married and welcomed another child, a baby girl. This story was cozy, warm, emotional, and perfect for autumn — even with the heavy themes. I smiled, cried, and had so many jaw-dropping moments.
This is a phenomenal read, and I can’t wait to read more of L.B. Gaines’ work. I highly recommend this book. 10000/10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
Harper and L.B. Gaines really had me in my feelings with this one. My heart continued to break for Sade from beginning to end. Her soft-spoken voice and the fear she carried as a single mother in a small town, all while grieving the loss of a parent, felt almost unbearable because it was so relatable. I know firsthand what it's like to lose a parent, and watching her carry the weight of trauma she didn't cause was heartbreaking. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook because Harper captured every emotion beautifully, and L.B. Gaines was the perfect choice for Lorenzo.
And sweet Eli. That little boy was full of life and so easy to love. The secrets kept from him were heavy, but a mother protecting her son will always pull at my heart.
Add in a second-chance romance between high school sweethearts who never quite let go of each other, and I was completely invested. Watching Lorenzo become Sade's rock reminded me why I love Black love stories so much. A calm, patient man was exactly what she needed, and I wanted that happiness for her so badly.
I also appreciate the way this book handled sexual assault and showed how exhausting and painful it can be to relive your truth over and over again through the justice system.
I know it's summer as I'm writing this review, but I needed something with pumpkins, small-town charm, and all the fall feels, and this book delivered.
And sweet Eli. That little boy was full of life and so easy to love. The secrets kept from him were heavy, but a mother protecting her son will always pull at my heart.
Add in a second-chance romance between high school sweethearts who never quite let go of each other, and I was completely invested. Watching Lorenzo become Sade's rock reminded me why I love Black love stories so much. A calm, patient man was exactly what she needed, and I wanted that happiness for her so badly.
I also appreciate the way this book handled sexual assault and showed how exhausting and painful it can be to relive your truth over and over again through the justice system.
I know it's summer as I'm writing this review, but I needed something with pumpkins, small-town charm, and all the fall feels, and this book delivered.
January 26, 2026
This was a decent read, but it took me longer than I expected. I felt like this story was more about healing than your typical love story. There was also a lot going on within a short time frame and the transitions could've been better. For example, there wasn't a real introduction between Lorenzo and Eli which I found odd. Another example was during the first love scene. Sade says Lorenzo came over right before lunch and then it's just magically the next day. Did we skip her son coming home from school? No questions about why Lorenzo is in the house the next day?
There were also some scenes that could've been best left out the story such as the scene with the uncle. He wasn't introduced at the beginning and a new character didn't need to be introduced at the end for such a small portion.
Lastly, while I appreciated the fall and cowboy theme, I think this setting would've been better in a state like Texas than Statesville, NC.
Overall, this was an okay read but the transitions and the setting could've been better.
There were also some scenes that could've been best left out the story such as the scene with the uncle. He wasn't introduced at the beginning and a new character didn't need to be introduced at the end for such a small portion.
Lastly, while I appreciated the fall and cowboy theme, I think this setting would've been better in a state like Texas than Statesville, NC.
Overall, this was an okay read but the transitions and the setting could've been better.
October 13, 2025
the moment I started reading this book I knew it was going to be a 5-star read, that's just how good L.B.Gaines is, she is 3/3 for me with all her releases. I also immersive read this book and highly recommend listening to the audio.
This story follows the FMC Sade; she is a pumpkin farm owner in a small town and also a single mother. This story is single POV and is set around fall/Halloween. Sade is forced to face her secrets, and her past when 2 people from her past showed back up, one of them being the MMC Lorenzo Tate. This is a second chance romance as well, as Sade and Lorenzo have history from teenagers before he left to chase his dreams. Feelings she thought she buried, is brought back to the forefront.
This story is filled with so many emotions and even had a little bit of suspense. One of my favorite things about the MMC was how patient he was but also let Sade know that he is back and she doesn't have to go through anything alone.
This book gives all the seasonal vibes but also give a lot of depth to the story, with so much yearning and tenderness. If you love an emotional poetic beautiful love story you will love this book.
This story follows the FMC Sade; she is a pumpkin farm owner in a small town and also a single mother. This story is single POV and is set around fall/Halloween. Sade is forced to face her secrets, and her past when 2 people from her past showed back up, one of them being the MMC Lorenzo Tate. This is a second chance romance as well, as Sade and Lorenzo have history from teenagers before he left to chase his dreams. Feelings she thought she buried, is brought back to the forefront.
This story is filled with so many emotions and even had a little bit of suspense. One of my favorite things about the MMC was how patient he was but also let Sade know that he is back and she doesn't have to go through anything alone.
This book gives all the seasonal vibes but also give a lot of depth to the story, with so much yearning and tenderness. If you love an emotional poetic beautiful love story you will love this book.
September 5, 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of reading this one early (yay for the ARC!) and let me tell you,I devoured it. This book was hot cider spiked just right on a crisp fall morning. It was a thunderstorm that shakes you awake from a nightmare but then calms you back to sleep with the rain. It was messy and sad, painful and comforting, heart racing and heartwarming. Honestly? It felt like a whole movie playing out but in my head.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…Girl…, you still haven’t told us what the book is about! Ok, ok..picture it: small town vibes, a girl facing down her past, long-buried truths rising to the surface. My heart was racing, my emotions were everywhere… and I’m only writing this review now, after a few good tears.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…Girl…, you still haven’t told us what the book is about! Ok, ok..picture it: small town vibes, a girl facing down her past, long-buried truths rising to the surface. My heart was racing, my emotions were everywhere… and I’m only writing this review now, after a few good tears.
October 6, 2025
Sade and Lorenzo's Love and Journey
Beneath the Harvest Moon is beautifully written from start to end. The setting evokes all the feels of a small town fall season from the pumpkins to the light festival and everything seasonally cozy in-between. I'm grateful for the trigger warnings and was able to mentally prepare for the flashback of Sade's past trauma explained as delicately as possible. This past trauma also spills in to her current life. Although I'm not accustom to such a heavy story in a cozy, small town fall season romance, I'm positively moved by the support, love, healing throughout and happy ending. Also, If you are looking for a great "book boyfriend" look no further than Lorenzo! Wow! Chef's kiss to the author on this lovely and touching story.
Beneath the Harvest Moon is beautifully written from start to end. The setting evokes all the feels of a small town fall season from the pumpkins to the light festival and everything seasonally cozy in-between. I'm grateful for the trigger warnings and was able to mentally prepare for the flashback of Sade's past trauma explained as delicately as possible. This past trauma also spills in to her current life. Although I'm not accustom to such a heavy story in a cozy, small town fall season romance, I'm positively moved by the support, love, healing throughout and happy ending. Also, If you are looking for a great "book boyfriend" look no further than Lorenzo! Wow! Chef's kiss to the author on this lovely and touching story.
October 10, 2025
It’s heavy on fall related imagery so it definitely gives warm & cozy vibes. Also in the beginning I felt like I was reading the pages of the FMC’s diary because it was so heavy on her processing her life and the secrets she was carrying. I do wish we had dual POV’s. While I loved the way Lorenzo just came back in and loved on her and Eli like no time passed, and we got to see that from Sade’s perspective, I wish we were able to get inside of his head because so much happened in such a short time. At any rate this was a warm second chance romance, that reminded you that 1) you’re only as sick as your secrets and there’s healing in sharing your story and 2)you aren’t just what happened to you. You deserve love, healing and all the good things.
September 20, 2025
This book felt like wrapping up in a cozy blanket on a crisp fall night. Sade Morgan’s life is grounded in her love for her son and the pumpkin farm she’s worked so hard to build. She isn’t looking for romance—until Lorenzo, her childhood best friend and first love, comes back to town. The chemistry between them is slow, tender, and full of history, but what really got me was how the story balances sweetness with the heavy weight of old wounds.
I loved how the author captured the charm of small-town autumn vibes—bonfires, hayrides, and the scent of cider practically jumped off the page. But beneath the cozy fall atmosphere is a heartfelt story about second chances, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to open yourself up again after life has lifed.
If you love second-chance romance, small-town feels, and a little emotional depth with your pumpkin spice, this one belongs on your TBR.
Thank you L.B. Gaines and NetGalley for the ARC.
I loved how the author captured the charm of small-town autumn vibes—bonfires, hayrides, and the scent of cider practically jumped off the page. But beneath the cozy fall atmosphere is a heartfelt story about second chances, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to open yourself up again after life has lifed.
If you love second-chance romance, small-town feels, and a little emotional depth with your pumpkin spice, this one belongs on your TBR.
Thank you L.B. Gaines and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2026
3.5 Stars
Feel good read during the holiday. This is my first LB Gaines novella and I enjoyed it. I love a country setting and second chance romance. This novella surprised me with a serious "villian." I mean criminal charges and mental illness type villian. I was expecting another surgary sweet read. Our main characters, Sade and Lorenzo, find their way back to each other after high school romance. Sade endured some serious trauma, isolation, and shaming in her small town. Her love for her son and farm kept her going. Lorenzo returns and their love is reawakened.
Feel good read during the holiday. This is my first LB Gaines novella and I enjoyed it. I love a country setting and second chance romance. This novella surprised me with a serious "villian." I mean criminal charges and mental illness type villian. I was expecting another surgary sweet read. Our main characters, Sade and Lorenzo, find their way back to each other after high school romance. Sade endured some serious trauma, isolation, and shaming in her small town. Her love for her son and farm kept her going. Lorenzo returns and their love is reawakened.
November 19, 2025
I will forever love small town love stories.
So happy Sade got to tell her truth and began her healing process. Lorenzo came back for his family & I love this. Eli is such a smart kid! Sade did such a great job raising him.
So happy Sade got to tell her truth and began her healing process. Lorenzo came back for his family & I love this. Eli is such a smart kid! Sade did such a great job raising him.
June 6, 2026
small time romance
Loved this book. The cover does fool you so be prepared to get all the feels. I enjoy the second romance trope and this was beautifully done. You get wrapped in from beginning to end.
Loved this book. The cover does fool you so be prepared to get all the feels. I enjoy the second romance trope and this was beautifully done. You get wrapped in from beginning to end.
October 4, 2025
I’m a sucker for a second chance love story. This was beautiful.
October 27, 2025
Narrative driven and emotional but with a happy ending.
December 11, 2025
LB Gaines can do no wrong in my books. I love every book she has written.
July 3, 2026
3.5/5
Really cute small town romance with a story that kept me intrigued.
Really cute small town romance with a story that kept me intrigued.
July 19, 2026
It was good but packed with trauma.
November 8, 2025
Small town romance with a little bit drama. My intrusive thoughts were taking over because baby I was ready to jump in the book and solve some problems myself! They eventually got it all worked out so I didn’t have to pull out my Vaseline & tennis shoes 😩😂
November 1, 2025
I can't believe this book doesn't have more reviews, because it is definitely a 5-star read! The storyline has so much emotional depth, and the writing is so poetic and lyrical that the words dance across the pages. This story is one of pain, trauma, growth, and ultimately, love. It has a lot of difficult topics, so pay attention to the trigger warnings, but it is a beautiful small-town, second chance romance that is perfect and cozy for Autumn.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews