An Apple Butter Christmas

Hartstone #1

by Terry Lynn Thomas

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he'd buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

If you

• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic

…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter's night.

Genres: Christmas, Romance

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

About the author

Terry Lynn Thomas is a USA Today bestselling author writing cozy Christmas romances filled with mountain-town charm, found family, and second chances. Her new novel, An Apple Butter Christmas, brings readers to Hartstone, where love and legacy bloom under the glow of Christmas lights.

When she isn't writing, Terry Lynn likes to watch British mysteries, read books about found family and friendship, paint, garden, and take long walks with her husband and dogs.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Hartstone Romance #1
Setting ~ not sure
Publication date ~ November 3, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 183 (19 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 3rd + one chapter from a friend
Featuring ~ small town, second chance, miscommunication, no steamage

Diana & Alex
Diana never planned to return to Hartstone after fleeing one day and not telling anyone why. But now her Aunt needs her help at the family orchard, so she reluctantly returns. Not only will she be helping with the day to day operations, but she'll be trying to save it from being bought out and redeveloped.

Alex had no clue why the love of his life, Diana, up and left him one day. One minute he was planning to propose and the next Diana is breaking up with him without a reason. He's still heartbroken a year later and now that she's back in town he hopes he can get an answer as to what went wrong.

The Apple Butter Festival seemed like quite an exciting and fun event. I really liked the small town vibe and how the townsfolk didn't want the orchard to be sold. I, especially, like Kiera and her commitment to the orchard. Her and Diane's friendship was really special, too.

All characters were lovely, well except for one, there's always one. She was a real pill causing havoc in the past and the present.

There were a few hiccups along the way, including the ole assumption trope, but overall a cute and festive second chance story.

How cute is this title and cover? 🎄❄️

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy giving new to me authors a try and I'm so happy this one worked out as I really enjoyed the book.
An engaging read that had some twists and turns in it and the ending was so lovely.
A warm and welcoming read full of small-town charm, and I just loved reading about the apple orchard. A delightful pick me up read that I couldn't help smiling about as I read it. I am looking forward to reading the next in this new series.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight, a cozy Christmas romance that is perfect for reading next to your Christmas tree! Diana and Alex get a second chance at romance after a year of separation, pain, and misunderstandings. Set in a charming, snowy town, this story is also about friends and family joining forces to save a family business. The characters are endearing and likable, and I was cheering for them all to find their happy ever afters! Congratulations to author Terry Lynn Thomas for using her talent to write something new, and I look forward to reading upcoming books in this series. I was provided and early copy of this book.

[mel jigs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this arc by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely cosy Christmassy read. Diana is heading home to her home town to help look after the family orchard whilst her aunt is recovering from injury. However the orchard is at risk and an old love is back in Diana’s life on her return to the orchard.

I enjoyed this book it was an easy read, I felt the ending was slightly rushed but it was good.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the first book from the Hartstone Romance series and i absolutely fell in love with it! I was pulled into this books pages right from the very beginning and it did not let me go again until i had turned every last page and devoured it all up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful, warm & cosy book and it was definitely perfect to snuggle up with on a very cold day! It’s a story of family and friendship and a feel-good romance too and it definitely reminded me of a wonderful yummy Hallmark Christmas movie.

There were lovely small-town vibes, a gorgeous festival, it’s pure escapism and so heartwarming, theres lots of snow and second chances and has a wonderful sprinkle of christmas magic and the whole story left me with the most perfect warm and happy heart…..

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
A heartwarming sweet, feel-good Christmas romance that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.
I loved all the characters in the story. Well, I loved all of them except one ;).
Main characters are Diana and Alex. Years before they had me in a loving relationship when something went abruptly wrong. Now Diana is back in town. Can they mend the past?

🩷Second chance
💙Romance
🤎Small town
💜Secrets
💛Friendships
🧡Holiday magic
💚Drama

An Apple Butter Christmas is a heartwarming small -town Christmas romance full of family and friendships…..and, romance!

All opinions expressed are my own.

http://instagram.com/shortbookthyme

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Ann Thomas, the Author of “An Apple Butter Christmas” has written a heartfelt, cozy, and romantic Christmas story. The Genres for this book are Christmas, Holiday, and Romance. This is a book that makes me think of sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream, and sitting by the fireplace covered by a soft throw, with my dog beside me. I think of huge white snowflakes in different sizes dancing around outside. Terry Ann Thomas has written a feel good story and vividly describes the decorations, the town, the people, and her colorful characters. The characters can be described as complex, complicated, friendly, and neighborly. Of course there is one character that does cause problems.

There is an Apple Butter Festival in Hartstone, and it might be the last one. Diana Marchcroft comes back to help her injured aunt, and the apple orchard. Her aunt is thinking of retiring and selling much of their property. A few people’s careers and welfare depend on this orchard. One of Diana’s friends has been working diligently to make this festival significant and raise money to help save the orchard. Diana also has to face her ex- boyfriend, where there was a problem and no communication.

I love how the author discusses forgiveness, second chances, the importance of friends, neighbors, love and hope. I highly recommend this heartwarming novel.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he'd buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

My Opinion

Welcome to Hartstone. Terry Lynn Thomas has written a charming, festive novel. With a lovely setting and some great characters, An Apple Butter Christmas was a heart-warming book. With less than 200 pages, it was a quick read.

Rating 4/5

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Apple Butter Christmas is a cozy romance with a tad bit of drama. I love me a good second-chance romance and this story fits the bill. Diana has returned home to help save her family's orchard from greedy real estate agents and developers. As Diana faces the possible sale of her orchard, the reuniting with her ex-boyfriend, and coming face-to-face with the town bully, her stress levels increase. Thank goodness for being part of a close-knit community of family and friends. They rally behind Marchcroft Orchard in hopes to deter any sale, development, or cancellation of the annual Apple Butter Festival. What ensues is a myriad of misunderstandings, relationship challenges, and lies. I enjoyed watching the story unfold, the misunderstandings get set straight, relationships shift and evolve, and the deceit revealed.

This is a sweet, small town romance and I felt like I was walking into a movie. The setting is magical, well-described, and vivid. I enjoyed the characters and interactions, including the not-so-nice ones. They all have a part to play in An Apple Butter Christmas. If you're looking for a magical second-chance romance set during the holidays, look no further. Grab yourself a copy of An Apple Butter Christmas.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful festive read which takes you to small town America and introduces you to a close-knit community with traditions and neighbourly links. Diana returns to her hometown and is surprised to find some changes in the offing. It is obvious that changes need to be made so that her family orchard can survive but she has a strong sense of family and history and is determined to try to keep the orchard safe from the developers. It is an important part of the town economy and the implications of any changes would be far-reaching.
Coming home forces Diana to address her feelings for her ex, Alex, who was the reason she left the town so abruptly. False assumptions and bruised feelings stand in the way of frank communication. There are some close friendships and strong family ties which adds to the warmth of this uplifting story. Not everyone, of course, has the community's best interests at heart and greed and ambition puts the orchard in peril. However, you see how Diana works with others to find a new future for the business. This is a festive romance which looks at second chances and small town values.
In short: family, friendship, second chances

[Kelly Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmassy small-town second-chance love story that has all the Hallmark Christmas movie feels to it.

Diana heads back to Hartstone and her family’s apple orchard when her aunt suffers an injury. Returning after leaving suddenly a year before not only does she have to face the truth about the struggling orchard but she also has to face her ex, Alex. Can Diana get a second chance both with the orchard and with Alex?

This book is full of lovable characters, especially, Diana and Alex, although there is one sour grape amongst the bunch. You are cheering for Diana and Alex to rekindle their romance and for Diana and Kiera to save the orchard from being developed.

It is told from both Diana and Alex’s points of view and is set in a lovely sounding town that has a great community feel, a favourite of mine.

I also love the cover, so cute, and represents the true vibe of this book.

This is the first book in the new Hartstone Romance series by Terry Lynn Thomas and I will certainly be keeping my eyes peeled for the next one.

A warm, cosy read to curl up with this holiday season. This is definitely for you if you are a Hallmark movie lover and are looking for a quick easy read this Christmas.

[Jessica’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy, festive and like a warm cup of hot chocolate are all the ways I would describe An Apple Butter Christmas. Terry has created such a wonderful town in Heartstone. I could so vividly picture it in my mind and honestly just wanted to jump into the book head to the orchard or stay a night at Edith’s B and B.

Diana was the FMC who heads back home to help her aunt on the family orchard after an accident. I really took to Diana from the very first page. She was reliable, family oriented and really likeable. Her relationship with her niece Phoebe was adorable. She was the best auntie and so fun. Although it was her relationship with the MMC Alex that was the main focus of the story.

Alex was another great character and had great relationships with the people of Hartstone as the towns lawyer. I really loved his senstive side when he was helping Mrs Tessaway especially the scene when he went over for dinner and to help with her christmas decocrations. They were so easy to picture while reading and I felt it showed such community spirit and what the true meaning of christmas is all about.

Although there was a point where i did wonder if Alex could be fully trusted partway through.. you will have to read the book for yourselves to find out if my suspictions were true or not.

I really wish I could have jumped into the pages to visit the Apple Butter Christmas festival and experience a Marchcroft house christmas. I can’t wait for more adventures in Hartstone if Terry Lynn Thomas has more in the works.

This is one definitely to read this festive season!!

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deliciously delightful spoonful of all things magical and Christmassy wrapped up in a heartwarming tale.

Packed full of community spirit, family and friendship and, of course, romance, this is a perfect read for those cold winter nights in front of a roaring fire or wrapped up in a cosy blanket.

The characters are perfectly drawn and I especially loved the relationship between Alex and Mrs Tressaway as well as her intuitive and supportive nature.

Hartstone and the Apple Butter Festival come alive in the pages and are so beautifully depicted that you can imagine yourself there.

A wonderful Christmas read!

With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just found my favourite new series...An Apple Butter Christmas is the first book in the 'Hartstone Romance' series. It's also the first book I've read from Thomas, and it's definitely not going to be my last...

It's set in the small town of Hartstone where community is everything. The holiday season is in full swing and for one family their birthright is in danger.

All of the characters were absolutely charming bar the one bad apple...see what I did there?

It was an absolute delight to read. It's heartwarming, cosy and gave off all the festive feels.

🍎 For those that don't know, Apple Butter is actually a concentrated form of apple sauce which is more comparable to a preserve rather than being a butter 🍎

[Sam Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ - “A Sweet, Comforting Read”

An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas is a nice, quick read that delivers exactly what you want from a cozy holiday story. The small-town setting feels warm and familiar, and the gentle mystery woven through the festive atmosphere keeps things moving without ever feeling heavy. Thomas’ writing has an easy flow, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon with a blanket and a mug of something warm.

While it may not linger with you long after you finish, it’s charming, light, and full of holiday spirit - ideal if you’re looking for a simple, feel-good seasonal escape.

[Michele Anne Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful surprise! An Apple Butter Christmas: A Hartstone Romance by Terry Lynn Thomas was a great book to begin my holiday reading with. Terry Lynn Thomas is known for the mysteries she has written over the years, so a Christmas romance was completely out-of-the-box, but she nailed it. This book had all the emotions! The characters were lovely and the setting was perfect, (plus, I love apple butter)! With that being said, An Apple Butter Christmas: A Hartstone Romance by Terry Lynn Thomas is a book I highly recommend as it's a great holiday read! Enjoy!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy in return for my unbiased review.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apple butter, falling snow, and the magic of the holidays

This was a really sweet Christmas romance. It felt just like reading a Hallmark movie, and I mean that in the best possible way. I love the community, the circle of friends, and I especially loved the older couple, Creighton and Alysse, falling in love. If you love fluffy holiday reads, you will love this one! Thank you to the author for my advance copy!

[Meghan McCalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you’ll LOVE An Apple Butter Christmas! Hartstone and its inhabitants will capture your heart and you’ll be invested in their past, present, and future from start to finish. You don’t want the Christmas spirit and love that this book brings to pass you by!

In fact, Hallmark: please make this into a movie!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a delightful and heartwarming small town Christmas romance. Diana returns home to Hartstone after her aunt is injured. What she doesn’t count on is having to help save the struggling apple orchard that is part of her family’s heritage. With most of the residents of Hartstone supporting them they do everything they can to stop the orchard being sold and turned into a golf course with a wedding venue. However when she unexpectedly bumps into her ex Alex things take another turn…..
A shared past, misunderstandings, community spirit along with family, friendships and of course romance this is a lovely book about second chances and fighting for what you want.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Turning the pages of 'An Apple Butter Christmas' made me feel like I was stepping inside to a roaring fire on a Winter's night; and is the perfect stocking filler for anyone in need of some cosy escapism this Christmas!'
Full review over on my blog at http://clydescorner.org/2025/11/29/re...

[Andie Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this wonder book last summer. It is heartwarming, festive, and full of Christmas magic. The perfect story to curl up with this winter. It tugged at my heartstrings and made me crave apple cider by the fire while reading in July!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It is a feel good read, with vivid descriptions of small town scenery and characters. Issues include misunderstanding, trust, determination, friendship, love, and loyalty. I had much fun getting into some of the characters…so glad I got to read this fun book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzling Christmas tale!

I love a charming holiday story and this one checked all the boxes. I’ve been a fan of this author for years so I knew I had to read her Christmas story and it delivered! Add this to your winter reading list.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an uplifting festive read about the importance of and the strength that comes with family and community, especially in small town life. Hartstone is a gorgeous town filled with loveable, quirky characters. I hope there will be more books in the series to explore the characters we meet in An Apple Butter Christmas.

In essence this is a heartfelt second chance Christmas romance. But, it also felt like the romance was only one component of the story. It was also about family, friendship and community. Diana returns to Hartstone to help her injured aunt and the apple farm family business that she’s struggling to run. She doesn’t realise she’s in for a fight to save her family’s heritage from developers. She also has to navigate bumping into Alex, who broke her heart. He’s hard to avoid in this small, close knit community.

The relationship between Alex and Diana is tender. There is an obvious connection between them but they have a lot to work through. I found myself feeling so invested in the apple orchard, as much as their rekindling romance.

The whole book is cosy, festive and feel-good. The setting is charming and it’s just the ideal read to snuggle up with on a winter’s day.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana is back home after being gone for a year. She’s come home to help with the family apple orchard.
This was a quick cosy book set before Christmas.
It’s a lovely story perfect to curl up with on a wintery day.