What do you think?
Rate this book
Wisteria Cove #1
The Pumpkin Spice Spell
If Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls had a steamy, pumpkin spice-scented baby, it would be The Pumpkin Spice Spell.
Welcome to Wisteria Cove, a charming coastal town where autumn lasts a little longer, the coffee is always hot, every shop feels like home, and a little magic lingers in the air.
Willa Maren has everything she thought she wanted. She owns the beloved local bookstore, spends her mornings with pumpkin spice lattes and stacks of novels, and has convinced herself she's perfectly happy keeping love at arm's length.
Then Tate Bennett comes home.
The broody fisherman who once held her heart is back in Wisteria Cove, and suddenly avoiding the past is no longer an option. Between the town's Harvest Moon Festival, meddling family, undeniable chemistry, and a touch of old family magic, Willa begins to wonder if some love stories aren't meant to stay buried.
Filled with cozy fall vibes, small-town charm, found family, witty banter, sizzling romance, and just the right amount of magic, The Pumpkin Spice Spell is the perfect escape for readers who love cinnamon roll heroes, second chances, and happily ever afters.
Welcome to Wisteria Cove, a charming coastal town where autumn lasts a little longer, the coffee is always hot, every shop feels like home, and a little magic lingers in the air.
Willa Maren has everything she thought she wanted. She owns the beloved local bookstore, spends her mornings with pumpkin spice lattes and stacks of novels, and has convinced herself she's perfectly happy keeping love at arm's length.
Then Tate Bennett comes home.
The broody fisherman who once held her heart is back in Wisteria Cove, and suddenly avoiding the past is no longer an option. Between the town's Harvest Moon Festival, meddling family, undeniable chemistry, and a touch of old family magic, Willa begins to wonder if some love stories aren't meant to stay buried.
Filled with cozy fall vibes, small-town charm, found family, witty banter, sizzling romance, and just the right amount of magic, The Pumpkin Spice Spell is the perfect escape for readers who love cinnamon roll heroes, second chances, and happily ever afters.
310 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2025
About the author
Erin Branscom
20 books1,071 followersSign up for Erin’s newsletter so you don’t miss any freebies: https://bit.ly/42KXO30
Erin Branscom is a creator of happily-ever-afters, crafting spicy, Hallmark-like romances that make readers fall head over heels for charming small towns. When she's not writing heart warming stories, Erin can be found anywhere there are dogs, with a cup of coffee in hand, or lost in a good book. As a passionate Scorpio, she brings intensity and heart to everything she does. Dive into her world and discover love, warmth, and a touch of spice in every story.
FOLLOW ERIN:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinbranscoma...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinbranscom...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbransco...
Erin Branscom is a creator of happily-ever-afters, crafting spicy, Hallmark-like romances that make readers fall head over heels for charming small towns. When she's not writing heart warming stories, Erin can be found anywhere there are dogs, with a cup of coffee in hand, or lost in a good book. As a passionate Scorpio, she brings intensity and heart to everything she does. Dive into her world and discover love, warmth, and a touch of spice in every story.
FOLLOW ERIN:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinbranscoma...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinbranscom...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinbransco...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews
Did Not Finish
October 7, 2025DNF at 13%
The book seems very cozy and has strong fall vibes with a sweet, small town setting. Light witchy touches too that fit with the start of fall. My reading experience was not enthusiastic, so I felt DNFing was the right choice, but I think others will sink in and find this warm and cute. I'm feeling esp nitpicky right now and my brain latched on to a couple of elements of the story and the writing that did not click and then wouldn't let go.
Personally, I think the author should have done something completely different with the timeline. The main characters were full grown adults when the MMC left and he's only been gone for two years. However, everyone used wording that gave the impression of an enormous length of time and as if the main characters had been younger than they were when all this trauma occurred. The incongruity of the timeline with the language chosen made some of the tension and sense of character changes the author was trying to create feel false and drove me crazy that the MMC returned "after all this time" when it had been barely a blip. The descriptions used to build an atmospheric setting were also overdone for me.
The book seems very cozy and has strong fall vibes with a sweet, small town setting. Light witchy touches too that fit with the start of fall. My reading experience was not enthusiastic, so I felt DNFing was the right choice, but I think others will sink in and find this warm and cute. I'm feeling esp nitpicky right now and my brain latched on to a couple of elements of the story and the writing that did not click and then wouldn't let go.
Personally, I think the author should have done something completely different with the timeline. The main characters were full grown adults when the MMC left and he's only been gone for two years. However, everyone used wording that gave the impression of an enormous length of time and as if the main characters had been younger than they were when all this trauma occurred. The incongruity of the timeline with the language chosen made some of the tension and sense of character changes the author was trying to create feel false and drove me crazy that the MMC returned "after all this time" when it had been barely a blip. The descriptions used to build an atmospheric setting were also overdone for me.
September 10, 2025
The Pumpkin Spice Spell has emotional healing, second chances, found family, and all the cozy fall vibes.
I'd love to hang out at the Wisteria Books & Brews; it has cozy nooks, blankets, pillows, and a bookstore cat named Cobweb.
Willa and Tate were close friends growing up until he left unexpectedly after both of their fathers passed. Thankfully, he came back years later to try and reconnect. They were pushed into working on the fall festivals together.
I loved seeing Tate fall first, take care of Willa, and them both healing from the loss they experienced. I did wish we got more scenes involving the festival and seeing their relationship grow.
However, I loved the small-town atmosphere! Everyone is always ready to step in and help each other, especially Lilith, Willa's mother, who treated Tate like her very own. I can't wait to get more from Wisteria Cove!
I'd love to hang out at the Wisteria Books & Brews; it has cozy nooks, blankets, pillows, and a bookstore cat named Cobweb.
Willa and Tate were close friends growing up until he left unexpectedly after both of their fathers passed. Thankfully, he came back years later to try and reconnect. They were pushed into working on the fall festivals together.
I loved seeing Tate fall first, take care of Willa, and them both healing from the loss they experienced. I did wish we got more scenes involving the festival and seeing their relationship grow.
However, I loved the small-town atmosphere! Everyone is always ready to step in and help each other, especially Lilith, Willa's mother, who treated Tate like her very own. I can't wait to get more from Wisteria Cove!
October 29, 2026
Connect with me!
✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ✏ TikTok ✏ Facebook
Pumpkin spice lattes, a charming coastal town, and a handsome fisherman determined to win back his first love. The Pumpkin Spice Spell by Erin Branscom is a sweet and steamy second chance romance wrapped in all the cozy comforts of autumn.
Willa Maren has built a comfortable life running her bookstore café in Wisteria Cove. Her peaceful routine is disrupted by the return of Tate Bennett who is her childhood best friend and first love. Tate is ready to make amends years after tragedy drove them apart. Willa isn't so eager to risk another heartbreak. Their reunion has romance, banter, meddling family members, and a little magic.
I melted in the moments when Willa simply stops to admire how beautiful Tate is. It was such a tender reminder that attraction can be about more than physical desire. Sometimes you just want to appreciate the person you love. Tate, meanwhile, has considerably less patience when it comes to getting Willa out of her clothes. Their chemistry was so fun. The intimate scenes resulted in tasteful fireworks.
I could tell the writer has a particular fondness for sensory descriptions. These characters certainly love smelling everything. I actually found it endearing. The constant references to familiar autumn fragrances brought a sense of nostalgia.
The comparisons to Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls set expectations that the novel didn't quite meet. Willa's witchy heritage serves more as family background than becoming a meaningful part of the plot. The magical elements felt secondary to the romance. I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a witchy read. It felt more like a traditional smalltown second chance romance rather than a coming of age in Stars Hollow tale. If you are looking for prominent witchcraft or a magical adventure, then you may find the supernatural elements too subtle. I enjoyed the sweetness of Willa and Tate's relationship. Even though the book wasn't quite what its blurb led me to expect.
The Pumpkin Spice Spell is a charming choice if you are craving autumn atmosphere, a heartfelt reunion, and a bit of heat.
My thanks to Erin Branscom for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy eBook. Apologies for my late review.
✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph ✏ TikTok ✏ Facebook
Pumpkin spice lattes, a charming coastal town, and a handsome fisherman determined to win back his first love. The Pumpkin Spice Spell by Erin Branscom is a sweet and steamy second chance romance wrapped in all the cozy comforts of autumn.
Willa Maren has built a comfortable life running her bookstore café in Wisteria Cove. Her peaceful routine is disrupted by the return of Tate Bennett who is her childhood best friend and first love. Tate is ready to make amends years after tragedy drove them apart. Willa isn't so eager to risk another heartbreak. Their reunion has romance, banter, meddling family members, and a little magic.
I melted in the moments when Willa simply stops to admire how beautiful Tate is. It was such a tender reminder that attraction can be about more than physical desire. Sometimes you just want to appreciate the person you love. Tate, meanwhile, has considerably less patience when it comes to getting Willa out of her clothes. Their chemistry was so fun. The intimate scenes resulted in tasteful fireworks.
I could tell the writer has a particular fondness for sensory descriptions. These characters certainly love smelling everything. I actually found it endearing. The constant references to familiar autumn fragrances brought a sense of nostalgia.
The comparisons to Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls set expectations that the novel didn't quite meet. Willa's witchy heritage serves more as family background than becoming a meaningful part of the plot. The magical elements felt secondary to the romance. I wouldn't necessarily classify this as a witchy read. It felt more like a traditional smalltown second chance romance rather than a coming of age in Stars Hollow tale. If you are looking for prominent witchcraft or a magical adventure, then you may find the supernatural elements too subtle. I enjoyed the sweetness of Willa and Tate's relationship. Even though the book wasn't quite what its blurb led me to expect.
The Pumpkin Spice Spell is a charming choice if you are craving autumn atmosphere, a heartfelt reunion, and a bit of heat.
My thanks to Erin Branscom for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy eBook. Apologies for my late review.
September 20, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
If you’re looking for a cozy fall read with practical magic vibes, a small town full of quirky people, and a second chance romance, The Pumpkin Spice Spell is definitely one to pick up.
I absolutely adored the small-town community in this book. They’re nosy, quirky, and completely invested in each other, but in the best way. I loved how they always had each other’s backs and how they welcomed Tate back with open arms.
I saw so much of myself in Willa, especially in the way she didn’t want to open her heart and instead buried herself in her bookstore and her passion. I also connected with Tate and his fear of coming back and wondering if he would still be accepted.
One of my favorite parts was watching the community remind both of them that they were loved and that they still had a place there. It was such a warm, feel-good part of the story.
I’ll definitely be continuing this series because I’m not ready to leave this little town just yet.
If you’re looking for a cozy fall read with practical magic vibes, a small town full of quirky people, and a second chance romance, The Pumpkin Spice Spell is definitely one to pick up.
I absolutely adored the small-town community in this book. They’re nosy, quirky, and completely invested in each other, but in the best way. I loved how they always had each other’s backs and how they welcomed Tate back with open arms.
I saw so much of myself in Willa, especially in the way she didn’t want to open her heart and instead buried herself in her bookstore and her passion. I also connected with Tate and his fear of coming back and wondering if he would still be accepted.
One of my favorite parts was watching the community remind both of them that they were loved and that they still had a place there. It was such a warm, feel-good part of the story.
I’ll definitely be continuing this series because I’m not ready to leave this little town just yet.
September 17, 2025
Cute & Cozy
This was a cute and cozy story
The theme is perfect for Fall and the story carries into Thanksgiving and right before Christmas.
The side characters were endearing. I enjoyed the familial banter ❤️
The writing could definitely use a bit of work. There was a lot of back and forth between Willa and Tate and after a while it felt very unnecessary and too drawn out. This caused the overall flow of the story to feel more like being in a bumper car. Too many abrupt changes from one sentence to the next.
There were a few scenes written out that didn’t flow correctly. Some were emotional scenes that didn’t carry while others were situational and body positions changed without the reader knowing. Not sure if that makes sense but that’s the only way I know how to explain it
Overall, I think this is fun, low-stakes, easy Fall read to enjoy
This was a cute and cozy story
The theme is perfect for Fall and the story carries into Thanksgiving and right before Christmas.
The side characters were endearing. I enjoyed the familial banter ❤️
The writing could definitely use a bit of work. There was a lot of back and forth between Willa and Tate and after a while it felt very unnecessary and too drawn out. This caused the overall flow of the story to feel more like being in a bumper car. Too many abrupt changes from one sentence to the next.
There were a few scenes written out that didn’t flow correctly. Some were emotional scenes that didn’t carry while others were situational and body positions changed without the reader knowing. Not sure if that makes sense but that’s the only way I know how to explain it
Overall, I think this is fun, low-stakes, easy Fall read to enjoy
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2025DNF 25%
Childhood friends who’ve been in love with each other forever, but they never crossed that friendship line. The MMC always suspected the FMC had feelings for him, but he was too scared to risk their friendship—so yeah, total coward in my book.
Before 5 years, a tragedy happened… both of their fathers died and that’s when their friendship started to change, the MMC grew more distant and pulling away from the FMC. And then after 3 years he decided to leave and walked away from everyone and ghosted the FMC for two whole years because he was drowning in grief and convinced she deserved someone better. 🙄
About their celibacy:
I’m not sure about their celibacy during those years—this is just what I’ve gathered from the FMC so far. (Note: this is only from the first 20%)
“I try to romanticize everything in my life and make every day count. That's the only romance I have these days. Wisteria Cove isn't exactly full of eligible bachelors, and even if it were, I'm not sure how many would want to date a sad and lonely witch. I live above my shop in a tiny studio apartment, and this is as exciting as it gets, boys and girls.
The bookstore witch is boring.”
The MMC’s love life? No clue, I didn’t even bother looking.
Childhood friends who’ve been in love with each other forever, but they never crossed that friendship line. The MMC always suspected the FMC had feelings for him, but he was too scared to risk their friendship—so yeah, total coward in my book.
Before 5 years, a tragedy happened… both of their fathers died and that’s when their friendship started to change, the MMC grew more distant and pulling away from the FMC. And then after 3 years he decided to leave and walked away from everyone and ghosted the FMC for two whole years because he was drowning in grief and convinced she deserved someone better. 🙄
About their celibacy:
I’m not sure about their celibacy during those years—this is just what I’ve gathered from the FMC so far. (Note: this is only from the first 20%)
“I try to romanticize everything in my life and make every day count. That's the only romance I have these days. Wisteria Cove isn't exactly full of eligible bachelors, and even if it were, I'm not sure how many would want to date a sad and lonely witch. I live above my shop in a tiny studio apartment, and this is as exciting as it gets, boys and girls.
The bookstore witch is boring.”
The MMC’s love life? No clue, I didn’t even bother looking.
September 8, 2025
ARC provided in exchange for honest review
Oh boy. I wanted to like this, I really did, but man, the writing, it’s painful. This feels more like a high school creative writing assignment instead of a published book. It’s clunky and awkward, repetitive, and corny/cheesy. Lots of telling and not showing, and leans WAY too hard into the “fall vibes”
Oh boy. I wanted to like this, I really did, but man, the writing, it’s painful. This feels more like a high school creative writing assignment instead of a published book. It’s clunky and awkward, repetitive, and corny/cheesy. Lots of telling and not showing, and leans WAY too hard into the “fall vibes”
September 29, 2025
Wisteria Cove is all you can imagine in a seaside small town with all the scents of cinnamon, pumpkin and “spice”! It’s bustling with romance with a hint of spells and the characters who bestow them.
Willa Maren owns a bookstore cafe which encompasses cozy mix-matched chairs, the scents of fall and a black cat, Cobweb!
Willa has 2 sisters who frequent the store and her mother, Lilith Maren who looks like the nicest gypsy you’ve ever seen. The Maren’s are known to be a “little witchy” . “The Pumpkin Spice Spell” will take you down a stormy cobblestone path just as Tate Holloway returns to town determined to make Willa “his”.
It’s a Harvest Festival, movie night and pumpkin carving where everyone in Wisteria Cove attends.
Despite the towns antics in matchmaking, Willa and Tate are on their own path trying to put the past behind them. It’s a story of loss, love and a magical town where you just might want to spend the rest of your life. It will make you fawn with desire from all the fall vibes, nostalgia and home spun charm.
Highly recommend this one! A 5/5 , it has it all!
Thanks to @erinbranscom for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
Willa Maren owns a bookstore cafe which encompasses cozy mix-matched chairs, the scents of fall and a black cat, Cobweb!
Willa has 2 sisters who frequent the store and her mother, Lilith Maren who looks like the nicest gypsy you’ve ever seen. The Maren’s are known to be a “little witchy” . “The Pumpkin Spice Spell” will take you down a stormy cobblestone path just as Tate Holloway returns to town determined to make Willa “his”.
It’s a Harvest Festival, movie night and pumpkin carving where everyone in Wisteria Cove attends.
Despite the towns antics in matchmaking, Willa and Tate are on their own path trying to put the past behind them. It’s a story of loss, love and a magical town where you just might want to spend the rest of your life. It will make you fawn with desire from all the fall vibes, nostalgia and home spun charm.
Highly recommend this one! A 5/5 , it has it all!
Thanks to @erinbranscom for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
October 6, 2025
tate freaking hollaway is absolutely precious with his messages in bottles!!!!! the writing in this was STUNNING!!! a million stars 🫶🏻💖🌟
September 27, 2025
this was such a cute read. it felt so magical and very fall like
October 12, 2026
Allereerst wil ik A.W. Bruna uitgevers bedanken voor dit recensie exemplaar!
Helaas vond ik dit boek een beetje tegenvallen. Het wordt omschreven als de perfecte fall en witchy read alleen vond ik beide aspecten erg weinig naar voren komen. Oke het was een boek wat zich in de herfst afspeelde maar ik denk dat dit meer aanbod kon komen. Hetzelfde geldt voor het magie gedeelte. De magie bestond meer uit handlezingen dan echte magie en dat vond ik gewoon heel erg jammer. Het boek was voor mijn doen ook net te lang en had dan ook een stukje korter gekund. Wel heb ik genoten van onze characters, de small town en dat het zo vlot weg las.
Helaas vond ik dit boek een beetje tegenvallen. Het wordt omschreven als de perfecte fall en witchy read alleen vond ik beide aspecten erg weinig naar voren komen. Oke het was een boek wat zich in de herfst afspeelde maar ik denk dat dit meer aanbod kon komen. Hetzelfde geldt voor het magie gedeelte. De magie bestond meer uit handlezingen dan echte magie en dat vond ik gewoon heel erg jammer. Het boek was voor mijn doen ook net te lang en had dan ook een stukje korter gekund. Wel heb ik genoten van onze characters, de small town en dat het zo vlot weg las.
September 12, 2025
More 4 1/2🌟 The Pumpkin Spice Spell was such an enjoyable fall read! Set in a dreamy whimsical small town this second chance romance features Willa and Tate. This story is all about healing and realising what is truly important in life. We are introduced to a fabulous cast of characters and with all the fall activities you feel you are part of Wisteria Cove. This is a slow burn so you get growth from both characters with some witchy vibes thrown in. I really liked this one and look forward to the rest of the books in the series. I received a complementary copy from the author.
October 6, 2025
“It’s still you. It’s always been you.”
This book had me swooning big time 🥰
The perfect cozy (but also spicy!) Witchy, small town, second chance romance, fall time read!
This book had me swooning big time 🥰
The perfect cozy (but also spicy!) Witchy, small town, second chance romance, fall time read!
September 7, 2025
This was my first book by Erin Branscom and she did not disappoint. This book was the perfect addition to my fall reads! Definitely gave 90's vibes and Practical Magic vibes which is one of my favorite movies! Also as a New England girly who grew up in Vermont where fall is the best time of year it truly felt like I was back home diving into this read. I loved everything about this book!
Willa who's the owner of a bookstore cafe sees her first love Tate is back in town. Willa is trying to protect herself from getting hurt but the whole town is trying to play matchmaker; including her sisters who are on Tate's side. After her mother who swears by candle spells stirs up a couple love spells Willa finds it hard to stay away even with using every once of magic she has.
Give me a good a small town, friends to lovers, and found family then throw in fall vibes and I am happy!
This was everything I needed. Definitely a perfect fall read!
Thank you Erin for the ARC! I loved it so much! 🥰🧡🍁
Willa who's the owner of a bookstore cafe sees her first love Tate is back in town. Willa is trying to protect herself from getting hurt but the whole town is trying to play matchmaker; including her sisters who are on Tate's side. After her mother who swears by candle spells stirs up a couple love spells Willa finds it hard to stay away even with using every once of magic she has.
Give me a good a small town, friends to lovers, and found family then throw in fall vibes and I am happy!
This was everything I needed. Definitely a perfect fall read!
Thank you Erin for the ARC! I loved it so much! 🥰🧡🍁
September 9, 2025
I love anything Erin Branscom writes. This is the perfect book for fall.
I love a cute little fishing village that gets you already for fall. The main characters and even the side characters are all loveable except for Tate’s mom. I just want to punch her in the face.
This is a slow burn so we get a lot of character growth and build up to the actual spice.
This book is called Witchy but it’s not like Magic going everywhere. More like Realistic Witchy Vibes like Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls.
🍂Small Town
🍂Witchy Vibes
🍂Friends to Lovers
🍂Found Family
Genre: Fall Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 318
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book #1 in the Wisteria Cove Series
I love a cute little fishing village that gets you already for fall. The main characters and even the side characters are all loveable except for Tate’s mom. I just want to punch her in the face.
This is a slow burn so we get a lot of character growth and build up to the actual spice.
This book is called Witchy but it’s not like Magic going everywhere. More like Realistic Witchy Vibes like Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls.
🍂Small Town
🍂Witchy Vibes
🍂Friends to Lovers
🍂Found Family
Genre: Fall Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 318
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book #1 in the Wisteria Cove Series
September 14, 2025
This was such a cozy fall fun read! I didn’t want it to end. Willa and Tate are childhood friends. He is a fisherman and leaves town to work on a boat but doesn’t stay in touch with Willa so she never expects him to return. Meanwhile she opens her bookstore and cafe and it’s doing well but she’s lonely. When Tate returns she doesn’t expect to forgive him so easy and he has a lot of work to do to get her back. I love the slow buildup of their relationship throughout the book. This is a very slow burn with a little spice but it’s so good! There is just something about Erin Branscom’s writing that I love just she is so descriptive with her words. The way she describes this harbor town just makes you feel like you’re really there walking down Main Street! This story is reminiscent of a Hallmark movie and I loved everything about it!
Thank you to Erin Branscom for an e-Arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Erin Branscom for an e-Arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2026
Dit is zo’n lief verhaal maar had echt niet zo dik hoeven zijn
October 6, 2025
First off, no one will ever convince me this did not start as Harry/Hermione fanfiction. Sorry, not happening. This has massive Harry/Hermione vibes.
Now that that's off my chest...it just wasn't very good. I mean, it was fine, I guess. Too long, too meandering, and there are a billion and one contradictions that make everyone look slightly insane, but I've definitely read far worse. I'll grant that this one at least had cosy vibes. I do like cosy vibes.
In terms of writing-craft and storytelling, though...eh. It needed an editor. For consistency, if nothing else. Like, Tate's been gone for 2 years, they're currently 30, but somehow they "were just getting started" when he left? The "girl he left behind" is "now definitely a woman"? Fucker, y'all were 28 years old. You were grown. Full on adults. Not a whole lot of developing left to do.
Don't get me started on the first sex scene. Involving a ladder. That they somehow reach the top of twice. And that I think Willa may have gone up backwards? It's not totally clear, but there's definitely some questionable physics involved.
I'm also just over stories where women are expected to let men get away with anything because True Love. Willa's part in the third-act break-up is treated as much bigger than it actually is given the circumstances. She's somehow supposed to factor in things that are the exact opposite of what Tate's actions and words suggest. Fuck that. He's a grown ass man. He can use his words just as well as she can.
I'll still probably read the next books in the series because, well, why not. They're pretty low on the priority list, though. If I want vibes-based reading, Laurie Gilmore is still the reigning champ.
Now that that's off my chest...it just wasn't very good. I mean, it was fine, I guess. Too long, too meandering, and there are a billion and one contradictions that make everyone look slightly insane, but I've definitely read far worse. I'll grant that this one at least had cosy vibes. I do like cosy vibes.
In terms of writing-craft and storytelling, though...eh. It needed an editor. For consistency, if nothing else. Like, Tate's been gone for 2 years, they're currently 30, but somehow they "were just getting started" when he left? The "girl he left behind" is "now definitely a woman"? Fucker, y'all were 28 years old. You were grown. Full on adults. Not a whole lot of developing left to do.
Don't get me started on the first sex scene. Involving a ladder. That they somehow reach the top of twice. And that I think Willa may have gone up backwards? It's not totally clear, but there's definitely some questionable physics involved.
I'm also just over stories where women are expected to let men get away with anything because True Love. Willa's part in the third-act break-up is treated as much bigger than it actually is given the circumstances. She's somehow supposed to factor in things that are the exact opposite of what Tate's actions and words suggest. Fuck that. He's a grown ass man. He can use his words just as well as she can.
I'll still probably read the next books in the series because, well, why not. They're pretty low on the priority list, though. If I want vibes-based reading, Laurie Gilmore is still the reigning champ.
September 19, 2025
The Pumpkin Spice Spell by Erin Branscom 🎃☕️
🫶🏼 Tropes/Topics 🫶🏼
🕯️ Small town romance
🔮 Second chance romance
🕯️ Witchy magic
🔮 Slow burn
🕯️ Forced proximity
The Pumpkin Spice Spell is a heart warming small town romance that blends second chance love with a touch of cozy witchy magic. The story centers on Tate and Willa, childhood best friends who find themselves reunited after years apart. Tate, a broody fisherman, and Willa, a spirited witch running a charming book café, must navigate their slow rekindling of their romance amidst the enchanting backdrop of Wisteria Cove.
The narrative captures the essence of fall with its spooky atmosphere, cozy settings, and spellbinding charm. The slow burn romance allows readers to savor the emotional journey between the characters.
🔮 I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily🕯️
🫶🏼 Tropes/Topics 🫶🏼
🕯️ Small town romance
🔮 Second chance romance
🕯️ Witchy magic
🔮 Slow burn
🕯️ Forced proximity
The Pumpkin Spice Spell is a heart warming small town romance that blends second chance love with a touch of cozy witchy magic. The story centers on Tate and Willa, childhood best friends who find themselves reunited after years apart. Tate, a broody fisherman, and Willa, a spirited witch running a charming book café, must navigate their slow rekindling of their romance amidst the enchanting backdrop of Wisteria Cove.
The narrative captures the essence of fall with its spooky atmosphere, cozy settings, and spellbinding charm. The slow burn romance allows readers to savor the emotional journey between the characters.
🔮 I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily🕯️
October 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ total 🎃 hallmark vibes! I think if you want to be fully immersed into a cozy, fall book surrounded by pumpkin spice love and adorable witchcraft - this is the book! I think I just wasn’t feeling the overall vibe and it felt very repetitive, too cheesy, and characters lacking personality/chemistry - but will definitely read the rest of the sister books!
October 7, 2025
I loved this book so much.
It may be witchy vibes but there are so many elements weaved through this book that are so relatable….
Grief, hesitant of the second chance love, a love of books and baked goods to name a few.
The spice is just the right amount to add to the story and not over take it.
The banter with Willa and Tate made me actually laugh out loud in a few spots and I swear we all have a Junie in our lives.
This will absolutely be one of my yearly reads.
It may be witchy vibes but there are so many elements weaved through this book that are so relatable….
Grief, hesitant of the second chance love, a love of books and baked goods to name a few.
The spice is just the right amount to add to the story and not over take it.
The banter with Willa and Tate made me actually laugh out loud in a few spots and I swear we all have a Junie in our lives.
This will absolutely be one of my yearly reads.
Read
September 15, 2026If it's autumnal imagery you're after, this book has a big, colorful pile of it.
October 21, 2026
It's a wonderful fall read. I enjoyed this small town charm and its characters.
September 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
I’m back with an Erin Branscom seasonal read for the second year in a row! I was really excited to see how her writing has evolved, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the growth in her work.
My absolute favourite part of this book was Wisteria Cove itself. Branscom has created such a rich, immersive setting that never wavered. The strong autumnal vibes were beautifully woven throughout the story—I felt like I was right there in Wisteria Cove with the characters. I also appreciated the seaside element; it was a refreshing twist for a seasonal read, and yet it still captured that cozy autumn feel. I loved it!
That said, I do wish Branscom had either removed the witchy aspect or leant into it more. As it stands, it popped up at random and pulled me out of the story a few times.
The romantic element started out really well. You could feel the tension between Willa and Tate, that they had a past together, but around the 30% mark it all sort of vanished. I don’t want to call this insta love, but there was a really fast departure from the original tone of their relationship.
By the 60–70% mark, I found myself growing restless with their relationship. They jumped into things without really addressing their past or what caused their original split. With second chance/ it’s always been you (two of my favourite tropes!), I expect a bit of grovelling or at least some emotional unpacking. But here, they just slipped back into each other’s lives without much effort or reflection.
I think these issues kind of go hand and hand with the pacing being off. The first half of the book was so heavy with the backstory of Willa and Tate as individuals. Which to be honest, is great. You grew to know these characters so well and their family dynamics, relationships to the town, ect. But unfortunately that meant the second half of the book was a little underwhelming for me. I wanted grovelling, more communication, but as I said, they slipped back into their routine.
It was so hard to give this book a numerical rating. For so long I felt like The Pumpkin Spice Spell was a 4 star read! Erin Branscom handed us Luke Danes with a beautiful backdrop, how could I not love this novel? But unfortunately when you start to breakdown the storytelling and execution, it let me down a little 🍁🧣
I’m back with an Erin Branscom seasonal read for the second year in a row! I was really excited to see how her writing has evolved, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the growth in her work.
My absolute favourite part of this book was Wisteria Cove itself. Branscom has created such a rich, immersive setting that never wavered. The strong autumnal vibes were beautifully woven throughout the story—I felt like I was right there in Wisteria Cove with the characters. I also appreciated the seaside element; it was a refreshing twist for a seasonal read, and yet it still captured that cozy autumn feel. I loved it!
That said, I do wish Branscom had either removed the witchy aspect or leant into it more. As it stands, it popped up at random and pulled me out of the story a few times.
The romantic element started out really well. You could feel the tension between Willa and Tate, that they had a past together, but around the 30% mark it all sort of vanished. I don’t want to call this insta love, but there was a really fast departure from the original tone of their relationship.
By the 60–70% mark, I found myself growing restless with their relationship. They jumped into things without really addressing their past or what caused their original split. With second chance/ it’s always been you (two of my favourite tropes!), I expect a bit of grovelling or at least some emotional unpacking. But here, they just slipped back into each other’s lives without much effort or reflection.
I think these issues kind of go hand and hand with the pacing being off. The first half of the book was so heavy with the backstory of Willa and Tate as individuals. Which to be honest, is great. You grew to know these characters so well and their family dynamics, relationships to the town, ect. But unfortunately that meant the second half of the book was a little underwhelming for me. I wanted grovelling, more communication, but as I said, they slipped back into their routine.
It was so hard to give this book a numerical rating. For so long I felt like The Pumpkin Spice Spell was a 4 star read! Erin Branscom handed us Luke Danes with a beautiful backdrop, how could I not love this novel? But unfortunately when you start to breakdown the storytelling and execution, it let me down a little 🍁🧣
September 15, 2025
Such a sweet, cozy, fall romance with a touch of magic. It reminded me of Stars Hallow. I just loved Tate and Willa and their journey. Perfect fall read!
December 23, 2025
Cute fall story however the book was drawn out.
October 19, 2025
I don’t know how Erin Branscom manages to write the coziest small towns with every series she writes, but Wisteria Cove captured my heart like all the rest.
One of my favorite things about this book was Willa’s family: her sisters Ivy and Rowan and their legendary witchy mom. They all had such different personalities but through the countless conversations with them, I absolutely fell in love with their family unit. I was instantly attached to all the neighbors and the citizens of the town and their tendency to meddle and gossip… and their unashamed shipping of Willa and Tate.
Willa and Tate’s story definitely tugged at my heart strings. Former best friends with a traumatic and heartbreaking intertwined past.
Him writing her messages in a bottle to say all the things he doesn’t know how to tell her? Puh-lease. 🥺😍
I already can’t wait for Ivy and Remy’s tree-farm single dad/nanny romance. I love how the author set up the next two books. It makes you want to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket, cat, and hot cocoa and binge them all.
Fave Quotes:
“This is what I’m fighting for. Not the house. Not the boat. Her.”
“I’ve wanted this since the moment we fell apart…since the day I left and wished I hadn’t.”
“Because here’s the truth. I’m happy. Buzzing, warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated happy. And if I’m being brutally honest, it scares the he** out of me. Because when life has taught you that good things don’t last , that people leave or die, and things fall apart, joy feels like a countdown.”
“I never really belonged to the sea. I belong to you.”
“They say the ocean keeps its secrets. But my secret is simple. I never stopped loving you.”
One of my favorite things about this book was Willa’s family: her sisters Ivy and Rowan and their legendary witchy mom. They all had such different personalities but through the countless conversations with them, I absolutely fell in love with their family unit. I was instantly attached to all the neighbors and the citizens of the town and their tendency to meddle and gossip… and their unashamed shipping of Willa and Tate.
Willa and Tate’s story definitely tugged at my heart strings. Former best friends with a traumatic and heartbreaking intertwined past.
Him writing her messages in a bottle to say all the things he doesn’t know how to tell her? Puh-lease. 🥺😍
I already can’t wait for Ivy and Remy’s tree-farm single dad/nanny romance. I love how the author set up the next two books. It makes you want to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket, cat, and hot cocoa and binge them all.
Fave Quotes:
“This is what I’m fighting for. Not the house. Not the boat. Her.”
“I’ve wanted this since the moment we fell apart…since the day I left and wished I hadn’t.”
“Because here’s the truth. I’m happy. Buzzing, warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated happy. And if I’m being brutally honest, it scares the he** out of me. Because when life has taught you that good things don’t last , that people leave or die, and things fall apart, joy feels like a countdown.”
“I never really belonged to the sea. I belong to you.”
“They say the ocean keeps its secrets. But my secret is simple. I never stopped loving you.”
September 23, 2025
This novel was such a pleasure to read. I have always wanted to explore a story that centres around the Fall season, but doesn’t make me cringe from the Hallmark nature of it. The Pumpkin Spice Spell does exactly that! Centred around the love story of Willa and Tate, we explore the themes of loss, love, perserverance, and found family.
The characters are so rich with their stories and emotions, and there were many moments that had me debating on some tears. Many of the themes were very Fall cliche, but it was done in a way where there was still a nice, unique element to it. I also appreciated that the sexual segments were tasteful and engaging for the reader. I chose to skip them, but I appreciated that nothing too major to the plot happened during them, so it could be optional for the reader!
I felt that things got somewhat redundant by the end of the novel, which is where it lost a star for me. At certain points I kept wondering where else the story could possibly go, we’re already in love, and have done every seasonal activity possible. However, the flow of the novel was still really well done, and when it concluded, I felt very complete.
I highly recommend this read to anyone looking for something to curl up with during the Autumn season!
✨ I received an ARC for this novel in exchange for my honest review!
The characters are so rich with their stories and emotions, and there were many moments that had me debating on some tears. Many of the themes were very Fall cliche, but it was done in a way where there was still a nice, unique element to it. I also appreciated that the sexual segments were tasteful and engaging for the reader. I chose to skip them, but I appreciated that nothing too major to the plot happened during them, so it could be optional for the reader!
I felt that things got somewhat redundant by the end of the novel, which is where it lost a star for me. At certain points I kept wondering where else the story could possibly go, we’re already in love, and have done every seasonal activity possible. However, the flow of the novel was still really well done, and when it concluded, I felt very complete.
I highly recommend this read to anyone looking for something to curl up with during the Autumn season!
✨ I received an ARC for this novel in exchange for my honest review!
November 16, 2025
I am such a sucker for second-chance romances, so I went into The Pumpkin Spice Spell genuinely excited. And to be fair, there’s a lot here that I really liked: the small-town vibes, the cozy witchy aesthetic, Tate, Willa, the whole Wisteria Cove charm. But let’s get real, there were some things that drove me absolutely up a wall.
My biggest issue? The drama around Tate being gone. He left for two years. Two. Years. But the way the book talks about it, you’d think he’d vanished for an entire decade.
Lines like:
“The Holloway house has sat empty for so long…” “That hope faded years ago…” “Wisteria Cove probably hasn’t changed…” “The girl you used to know is gone…”
Y’all. Willa was 27/28 when he left and 30 when he came back. He didn’t leave a girl, he left a whole adult woman who had just opened her own business. The book’s melodrama made it feel like a parody at times, and it really took me out of the romance.
There was also great banter between Tate and Willa in the beginning, but it fizzles out, and then the story starts circling the same conflict over and over. If it were just that, I’d still probably rate this closer to 4 stars.
But the over-the-top, wildly exaggerated “Tate was gone for so long 😭” energy? That knocked it down for me. Please be for real.
Overall: Cute setting, characters I genuinely liked, and a cozy witchy vibe perfect for fall. But the emotional stakes felt mismatched to the actual timeline, which made the book feel unintentionally silly at times. Still enjoyable, just not the magical second-chance romance I hoped it would be.
My biggest issue? The drama around Tate being gone. He left for two years. Two. Years. But the way the book talks about it, you’d think he’d vanished for an entire decade.
Lines like:
“The Holloway house has sat empty for so long…” “That hope faded years ago…” “Wisteria Cove probably hasn’t changed…” “The girl you used to know is gone…”
Y’all. Willa was 27/28 when he left and 30 when he came back. He didn’t leave a girl, he left a whole adult woman who had just opened her own business. The book’s melodrama made it feel like a parody at times, and it really took me out of the romance.
There was also great banter between Tate and Willa in the beginning, but it fizzles out, and then the story starts circling the same conflict over and over. If it were just that, I’d still probably rate this closer to 4 stars.
But the over-the-top, wildly exaggerated “Tate was gone for so long 😭” energy? That knocked it down for me. Please be for real.
Overall: Cute setting, characters I genuinely liked, and a cozy witchy vibe perfect for fall. But the emotional stakes felt mismatched to the actual timeline, which made the book feel unintentionally silly at times. Still enjoyable, just not the magical second-chance romance I hoped it would be.
October 22, 2026
Ik voel me een beetje een hater met al die lage waarderingen de laatste tijd, maar ook dit boek was helaas weer een tegenvaller. Het begon heerlijk knus en herfstig. Een boekenwinkel in een dorp, drie zussen en een moeder die allemaal heksen zijn (maar een soort milde variant), verse baksels, koffie en thee, lichtjes, herfstbladeren, pompoenen etc.
En toen kwam MMC Tate... Echt, als ik boos op iemand was en diegene ging me vervolgens om de haverklap flessenpost met kleffe teksten sturen, zou ik alleen maar nog bozer worden. Gelukkig voor het verhaal doet FMC Willa dat niet en volgen er vele pagina's met liefdesverklaringen, een paar onnodige spicy scènes (ik wilde een knus boek! Geen erotische acrobatiek op een ladder!) en het duurt toch allemaal laaaaaaaang.
Het begin was nog niveau "knusse en niet super goede maar wel leuke Hallmark-film" en ging al snel naar langdradig en saai. Daarbij had een (extra?) redacteur het boek geen kwaad gedaan. Er zitten veel inconsistenties in en ook wat gekke dubbelingen.
Zo jammer allemaal, want ik was het eerste hoofdstuk zó enthousiast! Duimen dat het volgende boek wel weer leuk wordt.
En toen kwam MMC Tate... Echt, als ik boos op iemand was en diegene ging me vervolgens om de haverklap flessenpost met kleffe teksten sturen, zou ik alleen maar nog bozer worden. Gelukkig voor het verhaal doet FMC Willa dat niet en volgen er vele pagina's met liefdesverklaringen, een paar onnodige spicy scènes (ik wilde een knus boek! Geen erotische acrobatiek op een ladder!) en het duurt toch allemaal laaaaaaaang.
Het begin was nog niveau "knusse en niet super goede maar wel leuke Hallmark-film" en ging al snel naar langdradig en saai. Daarbij had een (extra?) redacteur het boek geen kwaad gedaan. Er zitten veel inconsistenties in en ook wat gekke dubbelingen.
Zo jammer allemaal, want ik was het eerste hoofdstuk zó enthousiast! Duimen dat het volgende boek wel weer leuk wordt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 478 reviews