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Apple of My Eye
Sometimes, you have to bet the farm...
Eloise has a plan. She's finished college and she is moving back home to the perfect small town where she grew up - and she is going to save her family's apple farm.
Nick also has a plan. He's so close to finishing his MBA and ready to take the business world by storm. He just needs to ace his final project, a marketing strategy to revitalise a small-town apple farm - which just happens to be the rival farm that Eloise has set her sights on for expansion.
Against a backdrop of fall festivals, apple pie baking contests and county fairs, the two rivals slowly form an attachment that could end up changing more than their careers...
Eloise has a plan. She's finished college and she is moving back home to the perfect small town where she grew up - and she is going to save her family's apple farm.
Nick also has a plan. He's so close to finishing his MBA and ready to take the business world by storm. He just needs to ace his final project, a marketing strategy to revitalise a small-town apple farm - which just happens to be the rival farm that Eloise has set her sights on for expansion.
Against a backdrop of fall festivals, apple pie baking contests and county fairs, the two rivals slowly form an attachment that could end up changing more than their careers...
368 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2025
11 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Claire Kershaw
3 books16 followersClaire Kershaw is the author of Head First, a Great Barrier Reef inspired romance. Apple of My Eye is her second novel. Since graduating from Emory University with a degree in English Literature, Claire has moved to the Pacific Northwest, where you can find her hiking, tending to her many houseplants, or scribbling half-baked plot ideas on scraps of paper.
@clairekershawauthor
@clairekershawauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 15, 2025
This was a very sucky sweet story with a too good to be true characters. I wasn't impressed with this story and quickly got bored with it. I managed to finish it and will be glad to move into something else. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
cute, but could’ve been proofread once more before publishing - there were some spelling errors that ruined the reading experience. felt a bit too quick wrapping it all up. but all in all a good read.
August 29, 2025
Tropes:
Sustainable agriculture theme
Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
Golden retriever/cinnamon roll hero
City boy turned farmer
Fall vibes
Slow burn romance with a touch of spice
Small-town charm
Pop culture references (Gilmore Girls galore!)
I picked Apple of My Eye by Claire Kershaw for its fall vibes and slow-burn romance, and it’s a cozy, heartwarming read.
I like the the charm, though it has some flaws.
Eloise, a new agricultural grad, comes home to her family’s apple orchard in Carnation, a small hilltop town. Her love for sustainable farming—seeds, soil, worms, pruning apple trees—is really interesting, and I learned a lot about apple farming and why family farms matter to communities. Then Nick Russo, a Stanford business grad who smells like mint and cinnamon, arrives for his MBA project, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic kicks off with some tension and sweet moments, like in the laundry room scene.
The small-town setting—fall festival, apple pies, rope swings, and JJ the chestnut horse (named after Joe Jonas, so cute!)—feels like Gilmore Girls. I loved Eloise’s mom’s romance book club; it adds such a fun, quirky touch. The dual POVs are great, with Eloise’s lists being super relatable and Nick’s cinnamon roll vibe (he’s sweet, supportive, and cooks with his mom) feeling warm. As a foodie I enjoy the gnocchi tomato soup, bagels, buttery bread.
The first half is quick and fun, but the second half slows down with a forced third-act breakup over Nick’s TikTok campaign mix-up. The rivalry felt unnecessary—they could’ve just talked it out. Eloise’s tension with her brother Linden, who’s in finance while she saves the farm, is relatable but needed more depth. Still, the fall festival, recipes at the end (yay!), and pop culture nods (Luke Danes!) make this perfect for fall readers.
This book is perfect for fans of fall themes, small-town romances, enemies-to-lovers, and Gilmore Girls vibes.
Sustainable agriculture theme
Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
Golden retriever/cinnamon roll hero
City boy turned farmer
Fall vibes
Slow burn romance with a touch of spice
Small-town charm
Pop culture references (Gilmore Girls galore!)
I picked Apple of My Eye by Claire Kershaw for its fall vibes and slow-burn romance, and it’s a cozy, heartwarming read.
I like the the charm, though it has some flaws.
Eloise, a new agricultural grad, comes home to her family’s apple orchard in Carnation, a small hilltop town. Her love for sustainable farming—seeds, soil, worms, pruning apple trees—is really interesting, and I learned a lot about apple farming and why family farms matter to communities. Then Nick Russo, a Stanford business grad who smells like mint and cinnamon, arrives for his MBA project, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic kicks off with some tension and sweet moments, like in the laundry room scene.
The small-town setting—fall festival, apple pies, rope swings, and JJ the chestnut horse (named after Joe Jonas, so cute!)—feels like Gilmore Girls. I loved Eloise’s mom’s romance book club; it adds such a fun, quirky touch. The dual POVs are great, with Eloise’s lists being super relatable and Nick’s cinnamon roll vibe (he’s sweet, supportive, and cooks with his mom) feeling warm. As a foodie I enjoy the gnocchi tomato soup, bagels, buttery bread.
The first half is quick and fun, but the second half slows down with a forced third-act breakup over Nick’s TikTok campaign mix-up. The rivalry felt unnecessary—they could’ve just talked it out. Eloise’s tension with her brother Linden, who’s in finance while she saves the farm, is relatable but needed more depth. Still, the fall festival, recipes at the end (yay!), and pop culture nods (Luke Danes!) make this perfect for fall readers.
This book is perfect for fans of fall themes, small-town romances, enemies-to-lovers, and Gilmore Girls vibes.
October 15, 2025
Thank you to Claire Kershaw for my ARC copy of “Apple Of My Eye”! 🍂🍁🍎🎃
This book was cosy, cute and autumnal, which was exceptionally easy and enjoyable to read🍂. The characters were extremely likeable: Eloise who has moved back to her hometown after college to try and save her family farm, and Nick, whose target it to try and revive the rival farm next door to Eloise. The setting of the book is a town called Carnation, and it’s an incredibly charming and seasonal setting as it has the backdrop of apple orchards, whilst there is autumn festivals, apple pie contests and country fairs occurring throughout the cosy town too🍎. It was quite refreshing how the story was set on an apple orchard rather than focusing on pumpkins like the majority of the autumn-based books out there 🎃!
Overall, Apple Of My Eye was the perfect autumnal read with a lighthearted plot, and fans of engaging protagonists will enjoy Eloise and Nicks journey!
4.5 ⭐️
This book was cosy, cute and autumnal, which was exceptionally easy and enjoyable to read🍂. The characters were extremely likeable: Eloise who has moved back to her hometown after college to try and save her family farm, and Nick, whose target it to try and revive the rival farm next door to Eloise. The setting of the book is a town called Carnation, and it’s an incredibly charming and seasonal setting as it has the backdrop of apple orchards, whilst there is autumn festivals, apple pie contests and country fairs occurring throughout the cosy town too🍎. It was quite refreshing how the story was set on an apple orchard rather than focusing on pumpkins like the majority of the autumn-based books out there 🎃!
Overall, Apple Of My Eye was the perfect autumnal read with a lighthearted plot, and fans of engaging protagonists will enjoy Eloise and Nicks journey!
4.5 ⭐️
September 25, 2025
Eloise, aka Lou, has fixed a plan in motion: she’s just finished college and has got agriculture nailed down, knowing the right tips and tricks to thrive, and is armed to save her family’s apple farm in their small town, Carnation. She loves coming home to her parents, to her horse JJ (aptly named after Joe Jonas) and all the comfort it brings. It’s the reason she wants to save it, to bottle that feeling and let it grow for many years to come. But Nick also has a plan. He’s almost done with his MBA and can’t wait to turn flailing businesses into prosperous ones. His final project is creating a marketing strategy to reinvigorate a small-town apple farm, and he gets placed with a family for a couple of months to do so.
Only, the family’s farm that Nick is placed on is the neighbouring one to Lou’s family farm, the one that she plans to buy and extend her own family’s farm to grow their business and save it from going under. No matter how many awkward run-ins at the general store or mishaps at accidentally offending one another can truly set them off on the right foot, but Eloise cannot ignore that she feels an attraction to Nick. The feeling is steadily mutual, though their priorities and personalities clash. Amongst an autumnal scenery of fall festivals and fairs in Carnation, apple pie baking contents and bonding over their shared values, Lou and Nick become closer than ever. But when a misunderstanding leaves them unsure of the others motives, it might just change the trajectory of their own futures—and one together.
Overall, Apple Of My Eye was quaintly cosy, heartwarming and delightfully charming. It truly did embody the feeling of autumn, and wrapped me in a thick coat of everything I adore about the season. Claire wrote in a way that not only let me learn things about agriculture and farm life, but also personified the feelings and actions of young adults navigating a world of indecision, choices and the kinds of highs and lows you go through as you make your way in the world. I read the book over two nights, the pages disappearing before me, totally enraptured in the story, and it left me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings you’d want an autumnal read to have. With found family (and strong family foundations) and an adorable romance with sprinkles of spice against an array of nostalgic-feeling themes, Apple Of My Eye wholeheartedly deserves to be on your fall TBR this year.
Only, the family’s farm that Nick is placed on is the neighbouring one to Lou’s family farm, the one that she plans to buy and extend her own family’s farm to grow their business and save it from going under. No matter how many awkward run-ins at the general store or mishaps at accidentally offending one another can truly set them off on the right foot, but Eloise cannot ignore that she feels an attraction to Nick. The feeling is steadily mutual, though their priorities and personalities clash. Amongst an autumnal scenery of fall festivals and fairs in Carnation, apple pie baking contents and bonding over their shared values, Lou and Nick become closer than ever. But when a misunderstanding leaves them unsure of the others motives, it might just change the trajectory of their own futures—and one together.
Overall, Apple Of My Eye was quaintly cosy, heartwarming and delightfully charming. It truly did embody the feeling of autumn, and wrapped me in a thick coat of everything I adore about the season. Claire wrote in a way that not only let me learn things about agriculture and farm life, but also personified the feelings and actions of young adults navigating a world of indecision, choices and the kinds of highs and lows you go through as you make your way in the world. I read the book over two nights, the pages disappearing before me, totally enraptured in the story, and it left me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings you’d want an autumnal read to have. With found family (and strong family foundations) and an adorable romance with sprinkles of spice against an array of nostalgic-feeling themes, Apple Of My Eye wholeheartedly deserves to be on your fall TBR this year.
November 25, 2025
A fun seasonal read but not really anything special.
This read as a fun Hallmark film, but that also meant things were quite surface-level and all a bit too cliche. This excludes the apple farm as there was an interesting agricultural engineering angle, but the siblings rivalry (eye roll), the big city boy versus small town girl, the miscommunication… too bland.
I did notice some spelling/grammar and editing mistakes, and sometimes I felt the wrong word was used (“He nibbled the tip of my bum” in chapter 31 had me surprised!).
The secondary characters were nicely fleshed out and the text communication with the FMC’s friends was cute. The slightly meta jokes about romance books were funny and set the tone nicely. And hooray for being a list girlie!
Cute cover and always in the market for a punny title.
The recipes in the back were a treat!
3.5 stars rounded up.
This read as a fun Hallmark film, but that also meant things were quite surface-level and all a bit too cliche. This excludes the apple farm as there was an interesting agricultural engineering angle, but the siblings rivalry (eye roll), the big city boy versus small town girl, the miscommunication… too bland.
I did notice some spelling/grammar and editing mistakes, and sometimes I felt the wrong word was used (“He nibbled the tip of my bum” in chapter 31 had me surprised!).
The secondary characters were nicely fleshed out and the text communication with the FMC’s friends was cute. The slightly meta jokes about romance books were funny and set the tone nicely. And hooray for being a list girlie!
Cute cover and always in the market for a punny title.
The recipes in the back were a treat!
3.5 stars rounded up.
September 15, 2025
This was such a cute story! I truly was transported to peak autumn, and I could almost smell all the apple goodness! However, this book was nothing new, and it felt like I read the story before. The main selling point for me was the autumnal setting, but that was it for me!
August 26, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! Having read Claire’s debut book a few months ago, I was extremely excited for Apple of my Eye because I thoroughly enjoyed her writing and she managed to write a season-inspired book with Head First that, whilst it was based on more popular tropes, managed to give its own unique story and narrative. And it was also exactly what I got from Apple of my Eye.
Autumn-inspired books, or generally season or theme based books, can be more of a miss for me because usually they end up being too stereotypical or retell the same story I’ve watched on Gilmore Girls many times before. But this one from the blurb onward seemed to lean into the autumn theme without borrowing all its plot points from other books, movies ir tv shows. I absolutely loved the Apple farm theme, it generally being set on a farm.
I loved the strangers turned rivals turned lovers development between Nick and Elouise. Their relationship seemed genuine and had a natural development and everything just felt so right between them. Their rivalry did turn a bit petty but I thought it was entertaining.
The contrast between the big city boy and the small town-ish girl and their wants was interesting to read about, I was positively surprised by how they each wanted their own things but also helped each other achieve their dreams, Nick being so kind to her and respectful of her wishes when they got a little hot and bothered was so nice to read.
My favourite part of this book was Elouise’s tendency to write lists for everything; I can relate to that a lot and thought it was nicely integrated into the storyline and how the chapters were designed. Also, you best believe I am making every single recipe included in this book! 🥧✨
If I had one thing to critique it would be that I wanted a longer epilogue!! I simply wasn’t ready to part ways with them 😭
*Thank you very much to the publisher for sending me a copy ahead of the release in exchange for my honest thoughts*
Autumn-inspired books, or generally season or theme based books, can be more of a miss for me because usually they end up being too stereotypical or retell the same story I’ve watched on Gilmore Girls many times before. But this one from the blurb onward seemed to lean into the autumn theme without borrowing all its plot points from other books, movies ir tv shows. I absolutely loved the Apple farm theme, it generally being set on a farm.
I loved the strangers turned rivals turned lovers development between Nick and Elouise. Their relationship seemed genuine and had a natural development and everything just felt so right between them. Their rivalry did turn a bit petty but I thought it was entertaining.
The contrast between the big city boy and the small town-ish girl and their wants was interesting to read about, I was positively surprised by how they each wanted their own things but also helped each other achieve their dreams, Nick being so kind to her and respectful of her wishes when they got a little hot and bothered was so nice to read.
My favourite part of this book was Elouise’s tendency to write lists for everything; I can relate to that a lot and thought it was nicely integrated into the storyline and how the chapters were designed. Also, you best believe I am making every single recipe included in this book! 🥧✨
If I had one thing to critique it would be that I wanted a longer epilogue!! I simply wasn’t ready to part ways with them 😭
*Thank you very much to the publisher for sending me a copy ahead of the release in exchange for my honest thoughts*
August 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This was a lovely, cute fall read! I really liked how it was based on Apple farms rather than pumpkins for a change (not that there’s anything wrong with pumpkins- I’m a big fan!)
Eloise and Nick are initially rivals who can’t deny their connection and build a strong friendship whilst she is back home helping her parents on their farm and he is helping their neighbours.
There were lots of fall vibes as well as the romance between Eloise and Nick. I really enjoyed this one and would definitely add it to your fall TBR!
Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, a great read.
This was a lovely, cute fall read! I really liked how it was based on Apple farms rather than pumpkins for a change (not that there’s anything wrong with pumpkins- I’m a big fan!)
Eloise and Nick are initially rivals who can’t deny their connection and build a strong friendship whilst she is back home helping her parents on their farm and he is helping their neighbours.
There were lots of fall vibes as well as the romance between Eloise and Nick. I really enjoyed this one and would definitely add it to your fall TBR!
Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ARC, a great read.
August 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
In my autumn era so was absolutely over the moon to be approved to arc read 'apple of my eye'.
- cosy and autumnal 🍎🍂
- likeable characters
- slow burn
- romance with rivalry
This was the perfect book to get a blanket, cinnamon latte, and have girlmore girls in the background
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to ARC read
In my autumn era so was absolutely over the moon to be approved to arc read 'apple of my eye'.
- cosy and autumnal 🍎🍂
- likeable characters
- slow burn
- romance with rivalry
This was the perfect book to get a blanket, cinnamon latte, and have girlmore girls in the background
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to ARC read
December 10, 2025
Things I enjoyed:
The first two thirds were good, with nice insight into apple orchards and farming, and nice story development.
Things I didn't (which outweighed the above):
The immaturity of the FMC, the slight ick I got from the spice, the fact that ALL of the issues the characters had in this story could have been solved immediately by simple conversations.
The first two thirds were good, with nice insight into apple orchards and farming, and nice story development.
Things I didn't (which outweighed the above):
The immaturity of the FMC, the slight ick I got from the spice, the fact that ALL of the issues the characters had in this story could have been solved immediately by simple conversations.
September 13, 2025
fun, quick read but nothing memorable and the writing was quite bad
October 4, 2025
Niet een heel leuk boek 2,75⭐️ helemaal niet herfstig ook al lijkt het wel een herfst boek, beetje catfish
November 12, 2025
…at least the cover‘s cute?
August 31, 2025
Eloise is back home to save her family’s orchard. Nick is finishing his MBA with a project that could launch his career—revamping her rival farm. Between fall festivals, apple pie contests, and county fairs, competition turns into sparks, and sparks into something sweeter than cider.
This is the perfect book to kick off the autumn season—utterly irresistible, cozy, and immersive. From the moment I opened it, I felt like I had picked it up at exactly the right time: the end of summer, the days growing a little shorter, the gentle shift toward fall. It even inspired me to bake apple pies—such was the pull of the story!
The plot is beautifully portrayed—light and easy to follow, yet full of charm. Each character feels unique and authentic. Eloise and Nick are wonderfully matched: different enough to create sparks, similar enough to feel like they belong together, with a delightful reverse grumpy x sunshine dynamic. Their growth over the course of the story is convincingly shown, though by the end, the “wanting and not wanting” tension was a touch drawn out for my taste.
The atmosphere of the story is perfectly captured. I especially loved how the author depicted life on a working apple farm—the effort, the challenges, and the simple joys of daily labor. It added a layer of realism that made the cozy, romantic moments feel even more grounded.
There are also some spicy scenes, balanced with genuinely sweet, romantic interactions. Nick is utterly charming, warm, and irresistibly endearing. The ending was unexpected in a satisfying way, and overall, this is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend—cozy, romantic, a little spicy, and perfectly suited for a crisp autumn day.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Claire Kershaw, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the perfect book to kick off the autumn season—utterly irresistible, cozy, and immersive. From the moment I opened it, I felt like I had picked it up at exactly the right time: the end of summer, the days growing a little shorter, the gentle shift toward fall. It even inspired me to bake apple pies—such was the pull of the story!
The plot is beautifully portrayed—light and easy to follow, yet full of charm. Each character feels unique and authentic. Eloise and Nick are wonderfully matched: different enough to create sparks, similar enough to feel like they belong together, with a delightful reverse grumpy x sunshine dynamic. Their growth over the course of the story is convincingly shown, though by the end, the “wanting and not wanting” tension was a touch drawn out for my taste.
The atmosphere of the story is perfectly captured. I especially loved how the author depicted life on a working apple farm—the effort, the challenges, and the simple joys of daily labor. It added a layer of realism that made the cozy, romantic moments feel even more grounded.
There are also some spicy scenes, balanced with genuinely sweet, romantic interactions. Nick is utterly charming, warm, and irresistibly endearing. The ending was unexpected in a satisfying way, and overall, this is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend—cozy, romantic, a little spicy, and perfectly suited for a crisp autumn day.
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Claire Kershaw, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
September 8, 2025
The premise of this book was so cute, and it absolutely delivered on the cozy small-town fall vibes with its dueling apple farms setting. It felt like watching Jess and Rory in Gilmore Girls Season 3 with their “will they/won’t they” dynamic.
That said, the pacing often felt rushed, like binging a season of Gilmore Girls on 2x speed and skipping a few episodes. For example, between chapters 7 and 12, three weeks pass, and suddenly the characters have a closeness that is told rather than shown. Small details, like Nick remembering Eloise’s lavender latte (p. 110), left me wondering if I had missed a scene.
Unfortunately, I did not love their relationship. It leaned heavily on Rory and Jess vibes, but since these characters are adults with graduate degrees, the immaturity and pettiness felt especially frustrating. Eloise, in particular, lacked emotional maturity. Her reaction to Nick’s first taste of success (p. 179) came off as selfish and childish. It is fine to feel conflicted, but outwardly resenting him made her hard to root for.
On a more niche note, as someone who works in marketing, I struggled with how simplified the business subplot was. The “solution = social media” trope (cue Elle Woods’ “what, like it’s hard?”) felt too easy. By chapter 14, three weeks in, Nick is only just taking his first video? It did not feel realistic.
Overall, the premise and setting had great potential, but the rushed pacing kept me from connecting with the characters or savoring their relationship. By the time we reached the happy ending, I was more relieved than satisfied.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
That said, the pacing often felt rushed, like binging a season of Gilmore Girls on 2x speed and skipping a few episodes. For example, between chapters 7 and 12, three weeks pass, and suddenly the characters have a closeness that is told rather than shown. Small details, like Nick remembering Eloise’s lavender latte (p. 110), left me wondering if I had missed a scene.
Unfortunately, I did not love their relationship. It leaned heavily on Rory and Jess vibes, but since these characters are adults with graduate degrees, the immaturity and pettiness felt especially frustrating. Eloise, in particular, lacked emotional maturity. Her reaction to Nick’s first taste of success (p. 179) came off as selfish and childish. It is fine to feel conflicted, but outwardly resenting him made her hard to root for.
On a more niche note, as someone who works in marketing, I struggled with how simplified the business subplot was. The “solution = social media” trope (cue Elle Woods’ “what, like it’s hard?”) felt too easy. By chapter 14, three weeks in, Nick is only just taking his first video? It did not feel realistic.
Overall, the premise and setting had great potential, but the rushed pacing kept me from connecting with the characters or savoring their relationship. By the time we reached the happy ending, I was more relieved than satisfied.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 13, 2025
Thank you to @netgalley @clairekershawauthor and @zaffrebooks for the advanced reading copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
As we move into cosy season, Apple of My Eye fits the bill. We follow Eloise who is highly educated but has an absolute love for her family farm, especially when she finds out it is in real trouble. Turns out though, one of the only ways to save it would be to buy the farm next door, problem, they brought in a gorgeous business student called Nick.
This novel follows a blossoming romance between two unlikely people, who then turn to enemies and then to possible lovers.
The twists and turns were what I needed for a cosy autumn or summer read (it releases 28 August in time for late summer holidays!).
Also you do not want to miss Joe Jonas 🐴
This was a very enjoyable read and I devoured it in a day! The chemistry between the main characters Nick and Eloise was perfect and it had a wonderful storyline.
Also guys there are recipes in the back for items made in the book! I am 💯 going to have to have a go at some of them 🥧
4⭐️
Tropes:
🍎 friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
🍎 Close proximity
🍎 Saving the farm
🍎 He will do anything for her
Pros:
✅ changeable moods between the characters- made them relatable.
✅ Novel with a good storyline about duty for the family and everything you would do for them
✅Loveable main and side characters- Betsey and Joe 🫶🏻 (not the horse)
Cons:
⭕️ I understand where Eloise was coming from but some actions became vindictive. Also the plot with her brother seemed quite predictable and I didn’t enjoy reading it
As we move into cosy season, Apple of My Eye fits the bill. We follow Eloise who is highly educated but has an absolute love for her family farm, especially when she finds out it is in real trouble. Turns out though, one of the only ways to save it would be to buy the farm next door, problem, they brought in a gorgeous business student called Nick.
This novel follows a blossoming romance between two unlikely people, who then turn to enemies and then to possible lovers.
The twists and turns were what I needed for a cosy autumn or summer read (it releases 28 August in time for late summer holidays!).
Also you do not want to miss Joe Jonas 🐴
This was a very enjoyable read and I devoured it in a day! The chemistry between the main characters Nick and Eloise was perfect and it had a wonderful storyline.
Also guys there are recipes in the back for items made in the book! I am 💯 going to have to have a go at some of them 🥧
4⭐️
Tropes:
🍎 friends to lovers to enemies to lovers
🍎 Close proximity
🍎 Saving the farm
🍎 He will do anything for her
Pros:
✅ changeable moods between the characters- made them relatable.
✅ Novel with a good storyline about duty for the family and everything you would do for them
✅Loveable main and side characters- Betsey and Joe 🫶🏻 (not the horse)
Cons:
⭕️ I understand where Eloise was coming from but some actions became vindictive. Also the plot with her brother seemed quite predictable and I didn’t enjoy reading it
August 28, 2025
The Apple of My Eye by Claire Kershaw
Eloise has returned to her family’s farm with a plan to save it and prevent her parents from selling it. The neighbouring farm, The Parkers, is also in financial difficulty, and Eloise has applied for a loan to buy it. Nick, from San Francisco, also has a plan. He needs a final project to complete his MBA in business, and rescuing Parker's farm fits this perfectly. However, this makes Eloise and Nick Rivals.
Amongst an autumnal backdrop of brisk mornings and beautiful sunsets, apple picking and farmers' markets, Nick and Eloise can’t help but feel the temperature rising between them, giving way to some steamy adventures.
This was a book I requested on NetGalley because the romance genre is one I don’t read enough of, and unfortunately, this book reminded me why. There was no depth to these characters or the plot whatsoever. I could tell you how the whole story was going to pan out after twenty pages. Can we please have romance stories where the characters have some personality, where the story actually goes somewhere and is not predictable and cheesy?
The cover has a cosy, homely autumn feel, and the descriptions of the farm, the smell of pies and apples, the cold mornings giving way to fresh afternoons, highlighted by the changing colours of the leaves, are the reasons for the two stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for an ARC of this book. The Apple of My Eye is published on August 28th.
Eloise has returned to her family’s farm with a plan to save it and prevent her parents from selling it. The neighbouring farm, The Parkers, is also in financial difficulty, and Eloise has applied for a loan to buy it. Nick, from San Francisco, also has a plan. He needs a final project to complete his MBA in business, and rescuing Parker's farm fits this perfectly. However, this makes Eloise and Nick Rivals.
Amongst an autumnal backdrop of brisk mornings and beautiful sunsets, apple picking and farmers' markets, Nick and Eloise can’t help but feel the temperature rising between them, giving way to some steamy adventures.
This was a book I requested on NetGalley because the romance genre is one I don’t read enough of, and unfortunately, this book reminded me why. There was no depth to these characters or the plot whatsoever. I could tell you how the whole story was going to pan out after twenty pages. Can we please have romance stories where the characters have some personality, where the story actually goes somewhere and is not predictable and cheesy?
The cover has a cosy, homely autumn feel, and the descriptions of the farm, the smell of pies and apples, the cold mornings giving way to fresh afternoons, highlighted by the changing colours of the leaves, are the reasons for the two stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for an ARC of this book. The Apple of My Eye is published on August 28th.
September 10, 2025
This book found me at exactly the right moment—when I needed something tender and grounding. Kershaw crafts a rivals-to-lovers story that feels like coming home, wrapped in the crisp embrace of harvest season.
I was completely rooting for Eloise and her desperate love for the family farm. Watching her fight to save everything she cares about while falling for the guy who might ruin it all? My heart couldn't take it. Nick frustrated me at first—this MBA hotshot thinking he can waltz in and solve everything—but he genuinely cares about preserving what matters, and that changed everything for me.
The apple orchard setting is perfection—finally, a fall romance that isn't drowning in pumpkin spice! Every scene drips with golden light and county fair magic. The emotional beats hit just right, though I craved more time in their happily-ever-after.
This is comfort reading at its finest—the kind that makes you believe in second chances and small-town dreams.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🍎 Rivals-to-lovers with heart
🏡 Saving the family legacy
🍂 Autumn festival magic
💫 Finding love where you least expect it
I was completely rooting for Eloise and her desperate love for the family farm. Watching her fight to save everything she cares about while falling for the guy who might ruin it all? My heart couldn't take it. Nick frustrated me at first—this MBA hotshot thinking he can waltz in and solve everything—but he genuinely cares about preserving what matters, and that changed everything for me.
The apple orchard setting is perfection—finally, a fall romance that isn't drowning in pumpkin spice! Every scene drips with golden light and county fair magic. The emotional beats hit just right, though I craved more time in their happily-ever-after.
This is comfort reading at its finest—the kind that makes you believe in second chances and small-town dreams.
Vibes We Are Tracking:
🍎 Rivals-to-lovers with heart
🏡 Saving the family legacy
🍂 Autumn festival magic
💫 Finding love where you least expect it
August 16, 2025
Finally my favourite season is just around the corner and, being a mood reader, I was desperate for a cosy autumnal romance. Apple Of My Eye brought the vibes.
Blurb
Eloise has a plan. She's finished college and she is moving back home to the perfect small town where she grew up - and she is going to save her family's apple farm.
Nick also has a plan. He's so close to finishing his MBA and ready to take the business world by storm. He just needs to ace his final project, a marketing strategy to revitalise a small-town apple farm - which just happens to be the rival farm that Eloise has set her sights on for expansion.
Against a backdrop of fall festivals, apple pie baking contests and county fairs, the two rivals slowly form an attachment that could end up changing more than their careers.
It definitely put me in the mood to grab a blanket, a pumpkin spiced latte, a slice of warm apple pie and binge watch The Gilmore Girls (something I will be doing soon as I haven't seen all seasons).
The epilogue was a little too short for me, I just wasn't ready to let the characters go.
Thank you to @netgalley @clairekershawauthor and @zaffrebooks for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Blurb
Eloise has a plan. She's finished college and she is moving back home to the perfect small town where she grew up - and she is going to save her family's apple farm.
Nick also has a plan. He's so close to finishing his MBA and ready to take the business world by storm. He just needs to ace his final project, a marketing strategy to revitalise a small-town apple farm - which just happens to be the rival farm that Eloise has set her sights on for expansion.
Against a backdrop of fall festivals, apple pie baking contests and county fairs, the two rivals slowly form an attachment that could end up changing more than their careers.
It definitely put me in the mood to grab a blanket, a pumpkin spiced latte, a slice of warm apple pie and binge watch The Gilmore Girls (something I will be doing soon as I haven't seen all seasons).
The epilogue was a little too short for me, I just wasn't ready to let the characters go.
Thank you to @netgalley @clairekershawauthor and @zaffrebooks for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
August 21, 2025
Eloise finishes college and heads back to her hometown to try to help her parents farm. Where she then meets Nick an MBA student whose project involves helping Eloise's neighbors farm. Loved how this started off as rivals and worked its way over to lovers, you can't deny the chemistry these two have and the witty banter between the two of them was hilarious. I was also a fan of how it focused on apple farms as opposed to pumpkins. (something different but still keeping the fall theme!) If you're looking for enemies to lovers and a story that involves the love of family then let the town of Carnation whisk you away to everything Fall ! 🍁🍂🍎
Thank you to Zaffre books & Claire Kershaw for writing wonderful fall love story that had me smiling the whole way through and for giving me the chance to read the ARC for an honest review 💕
Thank you to Zaffre books & Claire Kershaw for writing wonderful fall love story that had me smiling the whole way through and for giving me the chance to read the ARC for an honest review 💕
September 10, 2025
I'm so glad I picked this book as one of my autumn reads this year. It was cute, it was cosy and it gave all the autumn vibes you hope for when picking up a book to read at this time of year.
I loved the main characters and the concept of the strangers to rivals to lovers. I thought it was well done and well written. This is the second book I have read from this author and it wont be the Last. I related so much to the main character Eloise.
I liked that autumn wasn't the main plot in the book as I usually find that some autumn books make autumn the main plot. This book took me out of a reading slump which I'm so happy about. Apple Of My Eye is a cute, cosy autumn read. I absolutely loved this book and I'm excited to read more from this author.
*Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me this Arc in return for an honest review*
I loved the main characters and the concept of the strangers to rivals to lovers. I thought it was well done and well written. This is the second book I have read from this author and it wont be the Last. I related so much to the main character Eloise.
I liked that autumn wasn't the main plot in the book as I usually find that some autumn books make autumn the main plot. This book took me out of a reading slump which I'm so happy about. Apple Of My Eye is a cute, cosy autumn read. I absolutely loved this book and I'm excited to read more from this author.
*Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for providing me this Arc in return for an honest review*
September 11, 2025
Apple of My Eye by Claire Kershaw
⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Thank you to Bonnier Books and Zaffre Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
This had such a cute setup - small-town apple farms, rivalries, fall festivals, pie-baking contests - basically autumn in book form. I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully land for me. The writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea, and the casualness of it made it a little hard for me to stay engaged. That said, it was very easy to read, and I can see how this would work for someone looking for a light, cozy romance without too much heaviness.
For me, though, it felt a bit too surface-level, and I didn’t connect to the characters or their romance as much as I’d hoped. Still, if you’re after something quick and seasonal to sink into on a crisp autumn afternoon, it might be worth a try.
⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Thank you to Bonnier Books and Zaffre Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
This had such a cute setup - small-town apple farms, rivalries, fall festivals, pie-baking contests - basically autumn in book form. I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully land for me. The writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea, and the casualness of it made it a little hard for me to stay engaged. That said, it was very easy to read, and I can see how this would work for someone looking for a light, cozy romance without too much heaviness.
For me, though, it felt a bit too surface-level, and I didn’t connect to the characters or their romance as much as I’d hoped. Still, if you’re after something quick and seasonal to sink into on a crisp autumn afternoon, it might be worth a try.
September 6, 2025
Apple of my eye is the kind of book that wraps you in a warm blanket of autumn charm and small-town sweetness. Claire crafts a delightful rivals-to-lovers romance between Eloise, determined to save her family’s apple farm, and Nick, whose final project threatens her plans. I loved how the story balanced cozy vibes with emotional depth. It’s not just a romance; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and finding love where you least expect it. If you’re craving a feel-good read with seasonal flair, this one’s a treat!
Thank you so much Claire and to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely autumnal book. I couldn’t put it down! I’m looking forward to reading more of Claire’s work in the future!
Thank you so much Claire and to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely autumnal book. I couldn’t put it down! I’m looking forward to reading more of Claire’s work in the future!
October 24, 2025
I really need to stop falling for the cozy autumn small-town romance book covers and the cute blurbs on the back. It all seems so innocent and comforting at first… but then it just gets worse and worse toward the end.
It’s the same thing that happened with The Pumpkin Spice Café, both look like soft, wholesome autumn reads, but then they turn into lustful romances with explicit content. So please be aware of that before picking this one up! If you’re looking for a cozy, soft autumn romance without spice, this is not the book for you. It definitely wasn’t for me.
Also, I have to admit, the mentions of TikToks and modern apps gave me the ick. I know it’s 2025, but it just feels so weirdly out of place to read about apps like that in books lol. Just my opinion!
It’s the same thing that happened with The Pumpkin Spice Café, both look like soft, wholesome autumn reads, but then they turn into lustful romances with explicit content. So please be aware of that before picking this one up! If you’re looking for a cozy, soft autumn romance without spice, this is not the book for you. It definitely wasn’t for me.
Also, I have to admit, the mentions of TikToks and modern apps gave me the ick. I know it’s 2025, but it just feels so weirdly out of place to read about apps like that in books lol. Just my opinion!
November 20, 2025
Don’t get me wrong. This was actually a really cute read! But there were some aspects that made me a little mad:
- I didn’t really like the FMC. I mean, I get that you have goals, but considering that everyone has to adjust to your plans and wants is just wrong. Do your thing, but don’t forget that others have their own life and plans as well.
- I also never got to see Eloise’s parents as portraied by her. They always seemed really loving. So it was kind of hard to connect with her when complaining about this. I would have loved to have more conversations between them. I really felt the lack of those.
But in the end, I did enjoy it! It was fun and I had a really good time while reading it.
- I didn’t really like the FMC. I mean, I get that you have goals, but considering that everyone has to adjust to your plans and wants is just wrong. Do your thing, but don’t forget that others have their own life and plans as well.
- I also never got to see Eloise’s parents as portraied by her. They always seemed really loving. So it was kind of hard to connect with her when complaining about this. I would have loved to have more conversations between them. I really felt the lack of those.
But in the end, I did enjoy it! It was fun and I had a really good time while reading it.
August 20, 2025
Apple of My Eye by Claire Kershaw was such an enjoyable read! I have so many great things to say about this book, but it’s hard to talk about without giving away spoilers.
What I can say is that I really enjoyed Lou and Nick’s relationship — from the highs to the lows, their journey felt so real and heartfelt. It’s a modern love story that takes you through all the emotions but still delivers that satisfying HEA at the end.
And as a fellow “list girl,” I absolutely loved that little detail woven into the story — it made it feel extra relatable and fun.
A lovely, heartfelt romance I’m so glad I picked up.
What I can say is that I really enjoyed Lou and Nick’s relationship — from the highs to the lows, their journey felt so real and heartfelt. It’s a modern love story that takes you through all the emotions but still delivers that satisfying HEA at the end.
And as a fellow “list girl,” I absolutely loved that little detail woven into the story — it made it feel extra relatable and fun.
A lovely, heartfelt romance I’m so glad I picked up.
September 28, 2025
This book hooked me right away with its premise—a pregnant woman getting an anonymous letter about her husband’s secrets sounded like the perfect setup for a twisty thriller. I enjoyed the tense, uneasy atmosphere and the way it captured how vulnerable pregnancy can feel.
But after a while, the story dragged a bit. The main character’s inner thoughts felt a little repetitive, and I saw some of the twists coming before they landed. A few character choices also felt hard to buy into.
All in all, it was fine. I kept reading and did want to know how it ended, but it wasn’t the kind of thriller that left me blown away.
But after a while, the story dragged a bit. The main character’s inner thoughts felt a little repetitive, and I saw some of the twists coming before they landed. A few character choices also felt hard to buy into.
All in all, it was fine. I kept reading and did want to know how it ended, but it wasn’t the kind of thriller that left me blown away.
October 7, 2025
I honestly do not know where to start with this book. It had so much promise with the small town Gilmore Girls “enemies to lovers” vibe. However, I ended up not enjoying this book much AT ALL.
The book was WAY too long for what it was. It started with the promise of enemies to lovers but ended up building tension and breaking it down two pages later which went back and forth around seven times. I could not care less about the characters and the farm and was greatly disappointed this ended up being the case
:(
There was no solid plot throughout the book with messy tropes throughout.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The book was WAY too long for what it was. It started with the promise of enemies to lovers but ended up building tension and breaking it down two pages later which went back and forth around seven times. I could not care less about the characters and the farm and was greatly disappointed this ended up being the case
:(
There was no solid plot throughout the book with messy tropes throughout.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 11, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for giving me opportunity to read this.
If you are fan of cozy fall warm romance then this is for you.
I do enjoy romance but i just despise main characters useless reasons sometimes. It just makes book frustrating like this one. Lou and Nick are so comfortable and had a great understanding but still can't support each others dreams and goals. Especially Lou, i dislike not-sure-with-themselves fmcs.
The overall fall vibes, their apple farm made me want to pick apples on beautiful warm evening, all that food craves me things i never had, the cozy warm feeling was constantly there while reading this.
If you are fan of cozy fall warm romance then this is for you.
I do enjoy romance but i just despise main characters useless reasons sometimes. It just makes book frustrating like this one. Lou and Nick are so comfortable and had a great understanding but still can't support each others dreams and goals. Especially Lou, i dislike not-sure-with-themselves fmcs.
The overall fall vibes, their apple farm made me want to pick apples on beautiful warm evening, all that food craves me things i never had, the cozy warm feeling was constantly there while reading this.
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