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The Autumn Leaf Bookshop
The Autumn Leaf Bookshop is set in the cozy, fall season with small-town vibes and magical elements. This romantasy is the perfect opposites attract, spicy romance for the fall season.
Raene Hart doesn't do fall.
Give her beaches, sun-soaked pages, and barefoot days under thunderstorm skies and she's golden. But when her beloved grandmother needs care, Raene trades her coastal condo and bestselling romance career for six weeks in Everly Hollow, a cozy town full of enchantment, magic and where not all beings are human.
Sylas Ashvale is everything she doesn’t need right now. He’s tall, too handsome for his own good, and the owner of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop. He’s the literal embodiment of fall with his cozy sweaters, fall magic, and cinnamon-scented charm. Oh, and did I mention he’s Fae with a bonded miniature dragon?
Raene is a summer-loving author. Sylas is autumn incarnate.
But sometimes, the season you hate… becomes the one that changes everything.
Will Raene survive pumpkin season without losing her mind or her heart?
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Spicy
Forced proximity
He Falls First
Cozy, enchanted small-town vibes
Fall season romance
Bookstore romance
Raene Hart doesn't do fall.
Give her beaches, sun-soaked pages, and barefoot days under thunderstorm skies and she's golden. But when her beloved grandmother needs care, Raene trades her coastal condo and bestselling romance career for six weeks in Everly Hollow, a cozy town full of enchantment, magic and where not all beings are human.
Sylas Ashvale is everything she doesn’t need right now. He’s tall, too handsome for his own good, and the owner of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop. He’s the literal embodiment of fall with his cozy sweaters, fall magic, and cinnamon-scented charm. Oh, and did I mention he’s Fae with a bonded miniature dragon?
Raene is a summer-loving author. Sylas is autumn incarnate.
But sometimes, the season you hate… becomes the one that changes everything.
Will Raene survive pumpkin season without losing her mind or her heart?
Tropes:
Opposites attract
Spicy
Forced proximity
He Falls First
Cozy, enchanted small-town vibes
Fall season romance
Bookstore romance
330 pages, Paperback
Published September 16, 2025
810 people are currently reading
3493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
October 16, 2025
4/5
- This book was the perfect cozy romance to read during autumn. I rarely read romantasy, but this was EXACTLY the type of book I would read if I read it on the regular!!
- Love how this book had the perfect balance of spice, fantasy, and swoony romance! I could imagine every little bit of this story!
- Definitely will read more from this author! She truly deserves more hype!
- This book was the perfect cozy romance to read during autumn. I rarely read romantasy, but this was EXACTLY the type of book I would read if I read it on the regular!!
- Love how this book had the perfect balance of spice, fantasy, and swoony romance! I could imagine every little bit of this story!
- Definitely will read more from this author! She truly deserves more hype!
September 30, 2025
I really liked the premise of this book! It was super cute and a cozy fall read. However, I felt like there were A LOT of editing issues that needed to be addressed. He/she POVs would switch, first to third person switches, odd somewhat bizarre emotional switches.
I liked both main characters a lot, but considering that Raene hates fall SO MUCH but then seems totally fine and not triggered (especially considering WHY she hates fall) by being in a fall-centric town felt a little out of character. I also felt like she was a little immature for her supposed “late twenties/early thirties” age. The conversations felt more like college kids, especially between the “girl group”.
I kind of felt like I read a first draft of the book.
Only my personal opinion. BUT, overall, cute concept…maybe just better execution?
I liked both main characters a lot, but considering that Raene hates fall SO MUCH but then seems totally fine and not triggered (especially considering WHY she hates fall) by being in a fall-centric town felt a little out of character. I also felt like she was a little immature for her supposed “late twenties/early thirties” age. The conversations felt more like college kids, especially between the “girl group”.
I kind of felt like I read a first draft of the book.
Only my personal opinion. BUT, overall, cute concept…maybe just better execution?
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC, and it did not disappoint! The Autumn Leaf Bookshop is the perfect cozy fall read—exactly the autumn vibes I was hoping for. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The magical atmosphere weaves through the entire story, giving it that whimsical feel that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea.
It’s a fun, quick read that kept me addicted from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something warm, enchanting, and a little spicy to kick off your fall TBR. 🍂📚✨
I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC, and it did not disappoint! The Autumn Leaf Bookshop is the perfect cozy fall read—exactly the autumn vibes I was hoping for. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The magical atmosphere weaves through the entire story, giving it that whimsical feel that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea.
It’s a fun, quick read that kept me addicted from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something warm, enchanting, and a little spicy to kick off your fall TBR. 🍂📚✨
August 31, 2025
What a great feel good very fall vibey book this was! It was centered around a magical town called Everly Hollow and the characters and their friendships suck you in so fast! The story line was cute and a few times I caught myself smiling at the banter within the characters. The MFC was just remarkable do I dare say one of my fav FC. So glad I got to do an ARC read for this book! @Kay Michaels nailed this book! Hope I get more from the town of Everly Hollow.
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October 7, 20253.5 stars✨
The descriptive writing pulls you right into this magical little town. I loved both main characters and adored the sides. I can’t wait for book two!! It was very cute & cozy. A few things felt off and didn’t move well through. I would have liked more depth into the actual days of the fall fest. I feel like we prepared, prepared, prepared, but didn’t fully enjoy it. The mini-dragon was soo cute and sassy🤣💗
The descriptive writing pulls you right into this magical little town. I loved both main characters and adored the sides. I can’t wait for book two!! It was very cute & cozy. A few things felt off and didn’t move well through. I would have liked more depth into the actual days of the fall fest. I feel like we prepared, prepared, prepared, but didn’t fully enjoy it. The mini-dragon was soo cute and sassy🤣💗
September 16, 2025
From the very first page, this story envelops you in a rich tapestry of vivid descriptions that ignite the imagination. Kay Michaels masterfully crafts a magically world so detailed that you can almost feel the textures and scents described, allowing you to visualize every scene.
The Raene and Ash are beautifully developed, each with their unique quirks and qualities that make them utterly relatable. (Also, who doesn’t love a pet dragon!) I found myself emotionally invested, rooting for their successes and feeling their struggles as if they were your own. The characters journey is a sweet love story with struggles and resilience. It’s filled with little moments that give it that little something extra to set it apart from other books.
I also really loved the supporting cast. Each character is imbued with depth and complexity. You get little bits of their stories. I love the strong female bonds she has. Jas, Poppy, Viktor, Dominik, and Garruk linger in your mind, leaving you eager to learn more about their stories. This aspect adds layers to the narrative, creating a rich, interconnected web of lives that enhances the main storyline. I truly hope they get their own books.
The Raene and Ash are beautifully developed, each with their unique quirks and qualities that make them utterly relatable. (Also, who doesn’t love a pet dragon!) I found myself emotionally invested, rooting for their successes and feeling their struggles as if they were your own. The characters journey is a sweet love story with struggles and resilience. It’s filled with little moments that give it that little something extra to set it apart from other books.
I also really loved the supporting cast. Each character is imbued with depth and complexity. You get little bits of their stories. I love the strong female bonds she has. Jas, Poppy, Viktor, Dominik, and Garruk linger in your mind, leaving you eager to learn more about their stories. This aspect adds layers to the narrative, creating a rich, interconnected web of lives that enhances the main storyline. I truly hope they get their own books.
October 24, 2025
I hate the name Raene!!!!!! Is that Ray-nay??? Is it Rain??? Is it just Rene?? Ugh it makes me mad everytime I have to read it❣️❣️
Great fall read otherwise 🤪🤪
Great fall read otherwise 🤪🤪
September 29, 2025
this was such a cute and cozy read. like i literally felt so warm reading this
November 1, 2025
Decided this is the first & last year I try to make “fantasy” reads cute —- I need the chaos, kingdom building, morally grey men, and a little heartbreak to top it off💀
September 30, 2025
”Fall may have changed me, but love is keeping me here. I finally know where I belong.”
This was such a cozy, and unexpectedly spicy fall romance/romantasy. I loved the added touches of magic in the book with fae, dragons, and even a werewolf! And the enchanted town of Everly Hollow is adorable! Watching Raene & Sylas work together to plan all the fall festival events was so fun, and I felt like each celebration was unique and different from the usual fall events. The found family was also so precious in this book because everyone just welcomed Raene and really made her feel at home in Everly Hollow.
Overall, if you’re looking for a very cozy and atmospheric fall romance grab this one! I’m also hoping we will get some more books following all the characters that were introduced because I would love to visit this fictional town again!
This was such a cozy, and unexpectedly spicy fall romance/romantasy. I loved the added touches of magic in the book with fae, dragons, and even a werewolf! And the enchanted town of Everly Hollow is adorable! Watching Raene & Sylas work together to plan all the fall festival events was so fun, and I felt like each celebration was unique and different from the usual fall events. The found family was also so precious in this book because everyone just welcomed Raene and really made her feel at home in Everly Hollow.
Overall, if you’re looking for a very cozy and atmospheric fall romance grab this one! I’m also hoping we will get some more books following all the characters that were introduced because I would love to visit this fictional town again!
October 10, 2025
The only thing I hated about this book was finishing it and leaving the characters behind! Kay did a wonderful job creating the most magical fall atmospheric novel. I genuinely adored each character and their quirks! The spice was spicing 🌶️ I absolutely fell in love with Nim—the tiny dragon 🥹 Highly recommend if you want a fun fall read!!
September 6, 2025
Thank you, Kay Michaels, for the ARC! This was such a cute cozy fall romance. I loved the small town, fall vibes. I also loved that most of the characters are magical beings, adding some fantasy to the romance. Looking forward to reading more of this series!
August 26, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book. The story, the characters, THE BOOKSHOP... everything was perfect. Kay did such a great job with the world building and I cannot wait for the other books in the series. This is a must read ❤️
October 12, 2025
Uhhh not great. This read like a very cheesy hallmark movie but with some added spice. Strange mix of supernatural creatures, to much details about her clothes or how a fall drink tastes but no real character build, odd editing issues throughout the book.
I picked the book for its cute fall vibes and I suppose it delivered.
I picked the book for its cute fall vibes and I suppose it delivered.
September 28, 2025
Cozy. Atmospheric. Spicy. Kay Michaels’ debut nails the fall vibes and delivers a trope-heavy, light, happy read that’s PURE COMFORT. 🥵 🍂 ✨
No suspenseful drama, just WARM AUTUMN MAGIC and romance. While the character development is a bit light, it doesn’t take away from the CHARM. I enjoyed every moment that I was in Everly Hollow. Take me back ASAP!
A fantastic first novel.
I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
No suspenseful drama, just WARM AUTUMN MAGIC and romance. While the character development is a bit light, it doesn’t take away from the CHARM. I enjoyed every moment that I was in Everly Hollow. Take me back ASAP!
A fantastic first novel.
I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
September 7, 2025
A girl who hates autumn, a fae male who is autumn, missing books, and a fall festival? This story has all the makings of the perfect cozy fall read—and it’s especially delightful for book lovers.
A werewolf, vampire, fae, minotaur, and orc walk into a bar. It sounds like the start of a joke, but somehow it just works. The cast is wonderfully mystical and diverse, from fae to trolls to minotaurs, each written with personality and charm. They make the world feel colorful, alive, and brimming with magic—a place I would happily step into and explore.
The banter between Raene, Sylas, and Nim is an absolute highlight. Sylas, who embodies autumn in every way, stole my heart. His bookstore, created for autumn, is so cozy and atmospheric that if it existed in real life, I’d visit every single day.
Then there’s Stone Hearth Bakery vs. Sugarplum Bakery—the rivalry and playful tension between Garruck and Poppy had me hooked, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
The fall festival scenes were pure joy. I could almost smell the pumpkin spice lattes and wander the booths myself. I’d love to have such a festival in my own hometown.
And of course, the love story. It’s tender, cozy, and refreshingly free of annoying tropes—just two people slowly falling in love. Add in some perfectly written spice 🌶🌶, and it becomes unforgettable. By the end, the romance moved me to tears—and very few books manage that.
If you love books steeped in autumn vibes, or if you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore and Fourth Wing, I can’t recommend this enough.
Quotes I loved:
● I plant the seed and you water it. Together we bloom.
● One fallen leaf at a time.
● It's like a song that touches your soul, and you don't want it to end, but that last and final note is coming.
Thank you, Kay Michaels, for the ARC! I loved reading and reviewing your book. 🍂
A werewolf, vampire, fae, minotaur, and orc walk into a bar. It sounds like the start of a joke, but somehow it just works. The cast is wonderfully mystical and diverse, from fae to trolls to minotaurs, each written with personality and charm. They make the world feel colorful, alive, and brimming with magic—a place I would happily step into and explore.
The banter between Raene, Sylas, and Nim is an absolute highlight. Sylas, who embodies autumn in every way, stole my heart. His bookstore, created for autumn, is so cozy and atmospheric that if it existed in real life, I’d visit every single day.
Then there’s Stone Hearth Bakery vs. Sugarplum Bakery—the rivalry and playful tension between Garruck and Poppy had me hooked, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
The fall festival scenes were pure joy. I could almost smell the pumpkin spice lattes and wander the booths myself. I’d love to have such a festival in my own hometown.
And of course, the love story. It’s tender, cozy, and refreshingly free of annoying tropes—just two people slowly falling in love. Add in some perfectly written spice 🌶🌶, and it becomes unforgettable. By the end, the romance moved me to tears—and very few books manage that.
If you love books steeped in autumn vibes, or if you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore and Fourth Wing, I can’t recommend this enough.
Quotes I loved:
● I plant the seed and you water it. Together we bloom.
● One fallen leaf at a time.
● It's like a song that touches your soul, and you don't want it to end, but that last and final note is coming.
Thank you, Kay Michaels, for the ARC! I loved reading and reviewing your book. 🍂
November 3, 2025
I loved this cozy fall romance. It was super cute! Very easy reading and a nice steady pace to it. Definitely a good one if you are looking for something easy to relax with.
I loved all of the characters and the supernatural vibes were what I loved most. Give me a supernatural romance over a normal one any day!
I now want my own mini pet dragon and would quite like my own Sylas too! It was refreshing that it was the FMC wary about everything instead of being the first to fall.
There was also a nice bit of spice and I liked that it was realistic. Their romance was just super cozy and easy going.
The ending was predictable but nice, yet at the same time, for a short while, it did have me quite apprehensive about what Raene would choose to do!
This was a perfect palette cleanser after reading some heavier books! I really hope there will be a second books to this series!
I loved all of the characters and the supernatural vibes were what I loved most. Give me a supernatural romance over a normal one any day!
I now want my own mini pet dragon and would quite like my own Sylas too! It was refreshing that it was the FMC wary about everything instead of being the first to fall.
There was also a nice bit of spice and I liked that it was realistic. Their romance was just super cozy and easy going.
The ending was predictable but nice, yet at the same time, for a short while, it did have me quite apprehensive about what Raene would choose to do!
This was a perfect palette cleanser after reading some heavier books! I really hope there will be a second books to this series!
September 15, 2025
Oh my goodness!!! How lucky am I to have received an advance review copy of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop by Kay Michaels?! It's a quintessential fall read! From the very first chapter, the captivating town of Everly Hollow drew me in with its cozy, enchanting atmosphere. The worldbuilding is exceptionally rich and immersive, full of lovely details that make you feel like you're strolling alongside the characters down the street of Everly Hollow. There's character development throughout, especially with Raene and Ash, and I was delighted by how their personalities unfolded as the story progressed. The supporting characters added the perfect charm and depth, leaving me wanting more stories set in their worlds. And, of course, there's a pet dragon that captured my heart 🐉. What a delightful, bookish escape — warm, magical, and full of autumn vibes. Perfect to curl up with this season! 🍁📚 🫖 🎃
September 18, 2025
This book was so cute! Its a very comfy cozy book just in time for the fall. I read this after seeing it posted in a facebook group and I’m so glad I took the recommendation!
If you like romantasy then this is the book for you! The story follows Raene an avid summer lover who temporarily moves to Everly Hollow to care for her grandmother while she recovers from hip surgery. Everly Hollow is everything Raene typically avoids… Autumn. As she takes her grandmother’s place to help plan Fall fest, she finds herself liking fall.. and her fall fast co chair more than she cares to admit.
Everly Hollow really pulls you in and I love the world that’s been created within it. Raene’s development and found family within the book is so cute. Also, her and Sylas are *chef’s kiss.* I can’t wait to revisit Everly Hollow once the next one comes out!
If you like romantasy then this is the book for you! The story follows Raene an avid summer lover who temporarily moves to Everly Hollow to care for her grandmother while she recovers from hip surgery. Everly Hollow is everything Raene typically avoids… Autumn. As she takes her grandmother’s place to help plan Fall fest, she finds herself liking fall.. and her fall fast co chair more than she cares to admit.
Everly Hollow really pulls you in and I love the world that’s been created within it. Raene’s development and found family within the book is so cute. Also, her and Sylas are *chef’s kiss.* I can’t wait to revisit Everly Hollow once the next one comes out!
October 20, 2025
If you’re looking for a cosy Autumnal romance read, with magic thrown into the mix. The Autumn Leaf Bookshop is set in Everly Hollow a small town that has the cutest shop names which seems to be the go-to for a cozy tale.
Kay Michaels really breathes life into this fictional town that seems to adore the season of rust coloured leaves and cinnamon on the breeze along with some of the more quirky and magical beings who live and run their businesses there. I honestly loved the attention to the detail, even down to the drinks you can get at the cafe - you feel as the reader you’re there alongside a human or a minotaur as they prepare for the upcoming festival.
Reading the book, I found myself wanting to step through the pages and into the bookshop where you can find a tiny dragon, and the fae who runs it, Sylas who’s the male lead in this romance. I loved everything about his character. He comes across as this gentleman who loves literature and is truly at home in Everly Hollow and I could fully understand how our protagonist, Raene, could be drawn to him despite being a Summer lover.
Raene and Sylas’s story is a love story for a season, of learning more about yourself than you ever expected and the joys of what a little cool in the air can bring. They’re not looking for anything, and Raene isn’t supposed to be staying in Everly Hollow so it has to have an ending…
Prepare for spice in the romance of this story - but I do agree with what others have said, it does at times feel like Raene falls in love with Autumn again more than falling for Sylas. I do, however, really want to read book two in the series because there’s nothing better than a cosy romance on a cold afternoon.
Kay Michaels really breathes life into this fictional town that seems to adore the season of rust coloured leaves and cinnamon on the breeze along with some of the more quirky and magical beings who live and run their businesses there. I honestly loved the attention to the detail, even down to the drinks you can get at the cafe - you feel as the reader you’re there alongside a human or a minotaur as they prepare for the upcoming festival.
Reading the book, I found myself wanting to step through the pages and into the bookshop where you can find a tiny dragon, and the fae who runs it, Sylas who’s the male lead in this romance. I loved everything about his character. He comes across as this gentleman who loves literature and is truly at home in Everly Hollow and I could fully understand how our protagonist, Raene, could be drawn to him despite being a Summer lover.
Raene and Sylas’s story is a love story for a season, of learning more about yourself than you ever expected and the joys of what a little cool in the air can bring. They’re not looking for anything, and Raene isn’t supposed to be staying in Everly Hollow so it has to have an ending…
Prepare for spice in the romance of this story - but I do agree with what others have said, it does at times feel like Raene falls in love with Autumn again more than falling for Sylas. I do, however, really want to read book two in the series because there’s nothing better than a cosy romance on a cold afternoon.
September 16, 2025
I had the amazing opportunity to read this book as an ARC! Kay is a very talented and well written author and you will not be disappointed picking this book up. You will feel all the feels but that’s what I loved about it! I love connecting with books and feeling like I am apart of that experience and this is one of those that you feel connected not only to the book, but the characters as well. 100%, 10/10 recommend this book if you’re into some good, cozy small town vibes , some spice 🌶️ and alittle bit of ✨magic✨. Cannot wait for the others to come out!
November 18, 2025
We have a new local romance indie bookstore near us, so I went to visit it a few weeks ago and got a few books with autumnal vibes. This was one of them.
The story here was cute. The writing wasn't terrible, but it absolutely needed a better editor. There were lots of grammar errors and several sections that just didn't make sense, even with context. I'm not sure If read more by this author, but the story here was cute.
The story here was cute. The writing wasn't terrible, but it absolutely needed a better editor. There were lots of grammar errors and several sections that just didn't make sense, even with context. I'm not sure If read more by this author, but the story here was cute.
September 29, 2025
3.5⭐️. Loved the magical setting and entertwined magic in the story. The town was delightful and liked the side characters. Quite a lot of spice for me, it honestly could have been toned down a bit and quite a lot of f bombs as well which was also unexpected. Overall, cozy read!
October 6, 2025
I’m not a big romance reader but this was flipping adorable. I would say it’s a mix of cozy fantasy/romance. I hope she does more because I loved the friendships made and would like to see their stories continue.
November 9, 2025
This was a cute fall read. The setting was so cozy. I loved all the different magical aspects of the book.I also loved the dragon Nim( who loves collecting books 🤭) Overall, an enjoyable read.
October 13, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Cute setting, had fun in the begining. Felt empty, shallow writing.
Cute setting, had fun in the begining. Felt empty, shallow writing.
November 2, 2025
Cosy read with a hint of magic and a lot of 🌶️🌶️🤣 kinda gave me acotar vibes mixed with pumpkin spiced cafe
November 2, 2025
ummmmmmm why was this book so good 🤣🍂📖
it was such a cute mix of seasonal romance & a cozy fantasy!
really excited for more books in this series.
it was such a cute mix of seasonal romance & a cozy fantasy!
really excited for more books in this series.
November 21, 2025
Omg I loved this!! This was so cozy and cute, but also sooo hot!! Cuz the spice was 🥵 such a good fall read!! 4.5 stars 🍁 🍂
September 22, 2025
Thank you to Kay Michaels for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Book Details
Title: The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow, #1)
Author: Kay Michaels
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Review
Perfect cozy fall read, filled with small-town charm, a sprinkle of magic, and characters you’ll wish lived down the street! From the very first chapter, The Autumn Leaf Bookshop drew me into its world of cozy small-town fall fantasy. The story follows Raene, who is a summer-obsessed romance author, as she takes time off from her busy schedule to care for her grandmother following surgery. Her grandmother happens to live in a fall-obsessed small town filled with fantastic characters and magic, and I was hooked by the blend of modern life and fantasy characters.
What I Loved
The characters felt approachable, with just the right balance of realism and fantasy, making them likable and relatable, as if you would want to be friends with them in real life. I especially enjoyed the characters who live in and run magical businesses of their own in the town, and the dynamic between Raene, the fall-obsessed owner of a magical bookstore, and Sylas. The writing style was easy to follow and focused on the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. It has a dual POV between Raene and Sylas, which I really liked because it provided a greater level of awareness. The pacing kept me turning pages; every chapter ended with me wanting more. I seriously had a few nights of "just one more chapter" for about 5 chapters! Themes of family, friendship, resilience, and love were woven in naturally.
What Could Have Been Stronger
A few sections felt a bit glossed over, and I noticed some small editing slips, but neither distracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.
My Reading Experience
I read this book in just a couple of sittings because I didn’t want to put it down. There were moments that made me laugh, others that made me stop and reflect, and a few that genuinely surprised me.
Recommendation
I’d recommend The Autumn Leaf Bookshop to readers who enjoy Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes). If you like cozy fantasy, fall vibes, and romance/romantasy, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Just in time for fall! I know I will definitely be picking up Book 2 in the series!
Book Details
Title: The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow, #1)
Author: Kay Michaels
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Review
Perfect cozy fall read, filled with small-town charm, a sprinkle of magic, and characters you’ll wish lived down the street! From the very first chapter, The Autumn Leaf Bookshop drew me into its world of cozy small-town fall fantasy. The story follows Raene, who is a summer-obsessed romance author, as she takes time off from her busy schedule to care for her grandmother following surgery. Her grandmother happens to live in a fall-obsessed small town filled with fantastic characters and magic, and I was hooked by the blend of modern life and fantasy characters.
What I Loved
The characters felt approachable, with just the right balance of realism and fantasy, making them likable and relatable, as if you would want to be friends with them in real life. I especially enjoyed the characters who live in and run magical businesses of their own in the town, and the dynamic between Raene, the fall-obsessed owner of a magical bookstore, and Sylas. The writing style was easy to follow and focused on the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. It has a dual POV between Raene and Sylas, which I really liked because it provided a greater level of awareness. The pacing kept me turning pages; every chapter ended with me wanting more. I seriously had a few nights of "just one more chapter" for about 5 chapters! Themes of family, friendship, resilience, and love were woven in naturally.
What Could Have Been Stronger
A few sections felt a bit glossed over, and I noticed some small editing slips, but neither distracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.
My Reading Experience
I read this book in just a couple of sittings because I didn’t want to put it down. There were moments that made me laugh, others that made me stop and reflect, and a few that genuinely surprised me.
Recommendation
I’d recommend The Autumn Leaf Bookshop to readers who enjoy Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes). If you like cozy fantasy, fall vibes, and romance/romantasy, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Just in time for fall! I know I will definitely be picking up Book 2 in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews