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Beneath the Harvest Moon

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.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2025

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L.B. Gaines

13 books135 followers

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5 stars
50 (29%)
4 stars
62 (36%)
3 stars
55 (31%)
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5 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Shawnaci Schroeder.
635 reviews6,457 followers
August 26, 2026
3.5/5
This book was cozy and perfect for autumn. Dives deep into healing and how opening up can help navigate healing & trauma. This would be a great cozy book to grab for fall!
Profile Image for Ebony Essence.
629 reviews28 followers
September 12, 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.
Profile Image for Fadeless Pages .
176 reviews4 followers
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.
Profile Image for Brisace.
640 reviews
September 14, 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.
35 reviews
September 20, 2026
A warm sweet potato latte

I loved this read... it's literally giving autumn 🍂 in book form. Sade and Zo? Sign me up for MORE.
Profile Image for Darcy J..
360 reviews
October 15, 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!
Profile Image for Katie Tucker.
258 reviews
May 6, 2026
This was my first book by L.B.Gaines it’s not my last. This was such a good feeling yet emotional read. Sade was the best coolest mom to her son Eli who was such an amazing child. She went through some really hard times, she lost her father and she lost her love when he went off to college and then had to deal with Dereck who was not a nice person at all. He took advantage and lied because he was too weak and jealous to be a man. Lorenzo (Zo) returned home and he was still in love with Sade and they were able to fight a battle that should never happen. This book gave me all the feels and thrills and melted my heart in every aspect. If you need a pick me up and a quick read then L.B. Gaines is your author.
Profile Image for Jessica.
94 reviews
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Courteney.
63 reviews
September 19, 2026
A Love Poem to Those Who Need To Heal

As I read this novel, it kept reminding me of Love Jones and Jason's Lyric. Love stories that centered around a FMC who needed to be shown that she was worth the effort, that she had support, that she could fall and someone would catch her. I call this the "my person" journey.

The My Person Journey - We are all looking for our person - friend, confidant, partner, you catch me I'll catch you. Not a soulmate, but a person that is all ours and we are all theirs. We never have to question their loyalty or if they will be there at all the important moments.

In Beneath the Harvest Moon, main romance characters, Sade and Lorenzo, knew what they had but lost it on the road to the future. Along the way Sade got trampled, lost and left in revenge, jealousy, abuse, isolation, gossip and abandonment. As her journey goes on, we learn how deep her trauma is and the effect it had from those who caused it, in her life and her child's.

What struck me the most was Eli's, Sades' son, journey that he went on. His journey was heartbreaking and joyful. Having little ones of my own it really sat with me and at points I had to put the book down as it felt to real.

I also loved the soft quiet moments, the way Gaines' writting sat in the moments, describing them with so much poetry, insight, and reflection. Each chapter felt more like a journal entry into Sade's. growth.

I highly recommend this novel to all who are on a journey of self discovery and growth. 2nd chance love for us all!
Profile Image for Airicia Jones.
Author 5 books9 followers
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.
33 reviews
October 1, 2026
This book irritated me fr. I feel like the premise of the book would've actually been good had it been written write. I listened on Audible so I am not sure if I should've read the physical copy or not; but, the transitions were TERRIBLE!!!!! That is what pissed me off the most. I would think they would be sitting out on the porch and then all of a sudden the next sentence is saying that they are at the festival. I was like huh.
Also, maybe I just don't vibe with the narrator. It sounded like she wanted to cry the entire book. Also, the girl never got out of her feelings. I was like damn are you always going to be sad or anxious lol. But, she would talk about being happy but I just didn't really feel that.
I am also confused at the timelines because it seemed like so much happened in such a short time because majority of the book takes place in the fall, but then she would talk about how something was done weeks ago, and I was just like fall is not that long.
And the court scene. I just don't understand how it was going to turn into a custody battle when it isn't even his son. I don't know, thinking about it irritates me.
Profile Image for BrewedForBooks.
37 reviews11 followers
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.
Profile Image for RaeReads.
134 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2026
😩🍂 This book gave me ALL the fall feels!!!! the pumpkin farm, small-town vibes, bonfires, cider, and a second-chance romance? YES PLEASE. I really loved Sade and how much of this story was about her finding her voice again and learning that what happened to her didn’t have to define the rest of her life. And Lorenzo??? Whew. The patience, the tenderness, the way he showed up for Sade and Eli had me over here smiling like girl, LET HIM LOVE YOU! 🥹❤️ This one definitely had some heavier moments that I wasn’t expecting from the cozy fall cover, so definitely check those trigger warnings, but I appreciated how the story balanced the trauma with healing, love, and hope. And that little bit of suspense toward the end had me like 👀 because ma’am, I was NOT expecting all that! Overall, this was a cozy, emotional, sweet little fall read with just enough mess to keep me turning the pages. L.B. Gaines really said grab your blanket, your favorite drink, and come sit down because we got some healing AND some loving to do. 😂🍁

Thank you author LB Gaines for this ALC. All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Shamoya Reads.
431 reviews17 followers
October 10, 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.
Profile Image for The Diva Den Reads .
151 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2026
Beneath the Harvest Moon is the ultimate cozy fall read!🍂✨
 
The story sweeps you away to a charming, close-knit country town that completely comes alive during autumn festivities. At the heart of the book is Sade, a beautiful single mom who works tirelessly to give her son, Eli, the absolute best life. She has been through so much, and you can’t help but root for her happiness! Then there’s Lorenzo—an absolute bonus to the story. His deep love for his hometown and his childhood best friend is so beautiful to witness. But just as things warm up, a figure from the past arrives, threatening to shatter their peace.

If you love that classic, heartwarming Lifetime or Hallmark movie vibe with a perfect hint of drama, this book is absolutely for you! L.B. Gaines never fails to deliver.
 
🛒 Available now! Be sure to grab your copy on Amazon! 🍁
Profile Image for Adrienne Wilcox.
51 reviews1 follower
September 4, 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.
Profile Image for LaKeisha W..
14 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Monique.
757 reviews35 followers
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.
Profile Image for ShicaSheek.
139 reviews4 followers
September 16, 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.
Profile Image for LaTria.
19 reviews
September 18, 2026
Phenomenal!!

LB Gaines has a way with words. She can take the most heart wrenching, trauma-filled scenarios and frame them in a way that leaves you full of hope and care.

Beneath the Harvest Moon was a beautiful story of grace, second chances, revelations, acceptance, and love. Not your typical small town romance, there’s some deep-rooted trauma here that gets worked out, and some revelations that are necessary to be called to the front. However, the journey is one wrapped up in a poetic language that only LB can deliver.

She’s done it again! Left me speechless after a book!
Profile Image for Marcie.
147 reviews8 followers
May 25, 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.
Profile Image for Michelle W.
305 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2026
great first start from a new author

L.B. Gaines was a new author recommended to me from a friend. First off, this illustrated cover is so cute, it caught my eye almost immediately. I loved Sade, she’s so strong yet unbelievably vulnerable. Watching her take back her voice was so good. Lorenzo was the ultimate companion turned lover, kind and considerate, patient and unyielding. Eli was adorable. High 3 stars for this!
62 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2026
wholesome

I didn’t except anything going into this book and it was a good wholesome book I guess it would be comfy. Right on target for my fall this read for September. Pumpkin farm high school sweetheart a love child and a little mess and suspense I can’t ask for anything more Lorenzo Tate was a good man
6 reviews
September 13, 2026
This was the sweetest most cutest read. This reminded me so much of living on the farms as a kid with my family. But overall this is a true love story of two people that were meant to be together. As they say no matter what caused a person to be apart, the true feelings of the heart and healing will bring you back together. Be sure to add to your TBR
Profile Image for Leslie S..
5 reviews
September 19, 2026
I adored this book so much!! The setting was perfect and reminded me so much of the charming rural towns in my state. There were some heavy topics that the author presented with such care and still was able to incorporate the overall story of healing, growth, and another chance at love. Lorenzo was so patient and kind but underneath you could tell he didn’t play about Sade! I loved how he supported her through her challenges. Perfect read to welcome Fall!🤎
Profile Image for Kiana .
365 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Monie.
14 reviews1 follower
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.
Profile Image for K_Clear22.
267 reviews6 followers
August 21, 2026
Sadeee

Sade went through a lot and carried that weight for so long! As soon as Lorenzo returned the story unfolded completely. This story was very homey. I felt like I was there in the fall months experiencing the seasons with them. There were parts that I wasn’t expecting at all. Definitely took a turn that shocked me a little bit. Try it out .
Profile Image for Toni Cookies.
103 reviews
August 24, 2026
🍪 Cookies Review 🍪

I loved this book so bad yall!!
This book was filled with romance and suspense! The turn got me! I should have known by the book that was referenced! This was my first book by LB and I have loved her since!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews