An Unlikely Harvest

by Stella Bloom

My father’s will is a trap, and my grumpy, flannel-clad neighbor is the key.

As a high-powered Boston lawyer, I see my family’s failing Vermont farm as just another asset to liquidate. But an impossible clause in the will forces me to work the land for one last harvest—or lose everything to Dustin Bishop, the man who’s been coveting our property for years.

He’s my sworn enemy, my reluctant partner, and the last person I should be sharing cozy nights with by a crackling fire. He thinks I’m just a city girl who will cut and run back to her ambition. I think he’s a stubborn farmer stuck in the past.

But as the autumn leaves fall, I start to wonder if the life I fought so hard to escape is the only one I want. Can I win this fight for my father’s legacy without losing my heart to the one man who stands to gain from my failure?

Genres: Romance, Autumn, Ebooks, Contemporary, Amazon, Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2025

Reviews

[Candice Nantz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been a 5 star if the editing had been better. I loved the concept of this book, and the writing was good for a first time author, but the editing was severely lacking.
I loved Holly and Dustin’s story, it was nice and refreshing and a clean love story if that’s what you look for.
The downsides: the blurb said her and her sisters had to work the farm….it was only Holly working the farm. She talked to her sisters once. There was never a funeral for their father, which is why she was there to work the farm.
She supposedly grew up there on the farm, yet had never met the neighbor that “was at war” with her family. Had never met a single person in the town. 🧐🤔 Dustin had never met her, yet he lived his whole life on the farm beside hers. There were paragraphs where one minute they were at the festival and the next paragraph they were at her house. One chapter her sister had already been in town, the next chapter her sister pulls in the driveway.
If not for those inconsistencies this would have been a great book. Still a good cozy fall romance read, just make sure you keep track of where in the story the author is at,at any given moment.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book could have ended after chapter 20 or so. It just kept going. So slow and boring.

[Crystal Munoz · Rating 2 out of 5]

yikes

I am not convinced Stella Bloom is a human, I think she is AI. This book was weird, didn’t explain why the sisters hated their home, didn’t explain how Dustin and Holly had never met each each other even though their families have lived side by side for generations.
Wouldn’t they have gone to the same schools? Their parents were sort of close, how did they never interact?
Holly had zero connection to the town, not an old friend from school, not an old boss from her teen job nothing.

Why didn’t the sisters come home when the Dad died, was he a bad Dad? Holly spoke of him mildly fondly so I just don’t understand the lack of mourning, wake, funeral-anything!


Please don’t get me started with all the lawyer talk. Lawyer is this woman’s whole identity and it was so frustrating because I get it, she’s a lawyer; so what?
Gave it two stars because fall is my favorite, if it was set in summer or winter immediately 1 star lol.

[Shelina]

DNF at 31%. This book is so dreary.

[Erin Rotary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has the ability to write beautifully, but sometimes went on for long enough about something small that it took me out of the story sometimes. Also the main character always seems to have some sort of dirt or grease or flour smudged on her cheek. This was cute the first time, but too much after the 3rd and 4th. The story seemed to wrap up pretty well at about the halfway mark, so the last 40% was almost all fluff.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was cute but 100 pages longer than it should have been. The conflict was over at about 65%. Then there was the repetition of things. Chapter after chapter. Each character didn’t have their own voice about something they were exactly the same.

Ok as I read the epilogue, they talk about poppy and Logan from her firm, but looking at the blurbs from other books in this series, it states that he is the local librarian. That’s a strange continuity issue.

[Jamilyn Aubel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave it three stars because the author is a beautiful writer but way too verbose. It started as a Hallmark like book ( which I love) but the plot ended about halfway through the book and was never completely explained. The second half was just the characters thoughts and nothing happened. The timeline was all over the place. You would have to infer between chapters if a few days, weeks, or months had passed since the last chapter. I almost dnf this book but it was a shorter book and I kept thinking maybe something was going to happen. Talented writer and great potential so maybe future books are better.

[Jennifer Greaves · Rating 1 out of 5]

I missed the love story in this love story. 2 kisses and a few hand brushes and they are madly in love? The build up of the love story is the most fun part and the author mostly glossed over it! And what was with all the angst and internal self assessment of feelings from Dustin's point of view? Has the author spent any time with men? Men don't over think their actions and feelings that much! I agree with others... this book was over by the half way point. I read to 80% thinking maybe something else would happen to liven up the story and ultimately gave up. I wonder if this author even had an editor. The timelines were confusing. I kept having to go back and check to see if I'd missed something. Also, the discrepancies! In Chapter 25, Holly refers to herself as the eldest sister and then later in the chapter calls Willow the oldest sister. Which is it?? And don't get me started on the plot holes. Did none of the girls come back for the father's funeral? Why? This book was a nice idea that was not well executed.

[Joanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I have so many mixed feelings about this book. It was cute but the editing made no sense. I felt like it should have ended at 40%- Also, there’s something about the writing that felt uneven. At times the prose was beautiful- other times it felt way too repetitive- additionally there were so many plot points that just didn’t make sense or were never resolved. I hate to say it but it feels like this was written with the help of AI. Take that info as you will, but despite the cute story I don’t think I’ll pick up another book by this author.

[Melissa Palmer · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. As a Vermonter, as soon as the author said that the maple syrup harvest was in the fall, I was out. First, maple syrup is made in the spring. Second, I don’t know anybody who refers to sugaring as a harvest. Do your research if you’re gonna write about Vermont. How do people not know that Maple syrup is made in the spring?

[Amanda · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book until around 60% through. It's like once they suddenly fell in love, a different writer took over or something. All of a sudden it was constant mush, some parts not adding up. I swear I thought the book was going to end 30 different times. I wanted to read a Fall based book and there were several chapters about Winter.
Closed door, no spice at all which was nice, but towards the end it was just too mushy for me.

[Nancy Waugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This reads like AI slop. Confusing, jarring, unbelievable, and boring. I skimmed the book after trudging through the first 20%. I didn't see any signs of improvement. Deleted it permanently from my collection to prevent any future accidental encounters. Definitely don't want to read anything else by this AI.

[WitchinglyBookish · Rating 1 out of 5]

AI

[Jordan Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong writing for someone who clearly doesn’t know the first thing about writing a book. Seriously, if you’re expecting mediocre, shallow writing, story and characters like The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and similar titles, you’ll be blown away by the depth and sincerity of the characters and setting, but MAN this girl has absolutely no idea what pacing is. From jarring catastrophe at the 30% mark to a fall out happening just shy of the midpoint, the story literally ending at the 65% mark and every single other chapter being another farewell, all is well and right with the world chapter, I was having whiplash the first 65% and drowning in saccharine the last 35%. Other than that, repetitive word and phrase usage pretty consistently. Get this woman an editor to teach her pacing and editing and she will be UNSTOPPABLE.

[Threasa Champagne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. Typical story of a young woman who is a BOSTON lawyer. A parent dies and she goes home to save the farm. She falls for the boy next door. The trouble is this book was lawyer this, deposition that. Just too much lawyer talk. it was just too much for a small town romance. I regret the purchase.

[Anna Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unlikely Harvest by Stella Bloom was such a sweet surprise! I went into this expecting a cozy romance, but I ended up completely wrapped up in Holly and Dustin’s story, their emotions, and that wonderful feeling of watching something unexpected slowly grow into something beautiful.

What I loved most was the romance between Holly and Dustin. Their relationship felt natural, heartfelt, and wonderfully layered. They didn’t fall for each other all at once; instead, their connection developed through small conversations, shared moments, gentle teasing, and the growing trust between them. I loved watching them move from uncertainty toward something deeper, especially as they began to see and appreciate the parts of each other that others might overlook.

Holly and Dustin may not seem like the most obvious match at first, but that is exactly what made their romance so compelling. They brought out something special in one another. Dustin’s presence gave Holly room to be vulnerable, while Holly helped Dustin open his heart and look at love—and perhaps his own future—in a different way. Their chemistry was sweet without feeling forced, and every step forward felt earned.

I especially enjoyed the tenderness between them. Their romance wasn’t simply about attraction; it was about connection, patience, trust, and learning to let someone into your life. The quiet moments between Holly and Dustin were just as meaningful as the more romantic ones. A glance, a thoughtful gesture, or a moment of honesty could say so much about how deeply their feelings were growing.

I also adored the cozy, comforting atmosphere Stella Bloom created. The story has that wonderful small-town, harvest-season feeling that made me want to curl up with a blanket, grab something warm to drink, and stay inside its world for a little longer. The setting added so much charm to Holly and Dustin’s romance, making their relationship feel even more intimate and inviting.

But underneath all that coziness is plenty of heart. I became genuinely invested in Holly and Dustin’s happiness and wanted to see them overcome their fears, doubts, and emotional barriers. Their journey reminded me that love is not always about finding someone who fits perfectly into the life you already have. Sometimes it is about finding someone who inspires you to grow, take a chance, and imagine a different future.

An Unlikely Harvest reminded me that sometimes the best things in life are the ones you never planned for. Holly and Dustin’s love takes root in the most unexpected place, growing slowly through trust, tenderness, and the courage to be honest about what they want. Watching them find their way to each other was warm, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.

Sweet, heartfelt, cozy, and wonderfully romantic. Holly and Dustin’s story was exactly the kind of feel-good romance I love!

[Mindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️✨ (1.5/5 stars)

An Unlikely Harvest had real potential. The author clearly has talent and a natural writing voice, but this book needed stronger structure and editing to truly shine.

The story felt as though it wrapped up halfway through, leaving the remaining chapters to drag on without much purpose. The pacing was uneven, and I often found myself confused about the timeline, unsure whether days or weeks had passed between scenes. The romance between Holly and Dustin also developed far too quickly; after just two kisses, they seemed to be living together (maybe??) and running a farm, which made it hard to believe in their connection.

Speaking of the farm, there were several plot threads that never fully resolved. The financial situation and foreclosure were supposedly fixed, but the explanation came through a vague letter that didn’t make much sense. Even smaller details were skipped or inconsistent. For example, the Blue Ribbon subplot was never clearly concluded (it was hinted to in later chapters but we were never told they won), and small continuity errors (like the location of their first kiss or the timeline of certain events) broke the story’s flow.

The frequent point-of-view shifts were also jarring. It often took several paragraphs to figure out whose perspective I was reading, and at one point the POV even switched mid-page without warning. These issues, combined with noticeable grammatical and continuity errors, made me think the author may have self-edited without professional guidance.

Despite all this, I don’t think the book, or the author, is without promise. There’s a strong emotional core here, and with more attention to pacing, structure, and editing, the author could easily grow into a compelling storyteller. Unfortunately, this particular book felt unpolished and lost momentum well before the end.

Overall it was a heartfelt idea that needed more development. It was readable, but ultimately unfinished in execution.

[Sandi Turner · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

An Unlikely Harvest by Stella Bloom

Sometimes a book doesn't need glowing reviews to find its way into your reading list. An Unlikely Harvest is one of those books for me.

The story brings together two very different people: Holly, a big-city lawyer, and Dustin, a hardworking farmer. Their worlds couldn't be further apart, yet through challenges, determination, and a shared connection to the land, they gradually discover something meaningful in one another.

What I especially appreciated was that this wasn't your typical romance. There were no over-the-top declarations of love or steamy encounters. Instead, the relationship developed naturally through hard work, understanding, compromise, and the everyday struggles of building something worthwhile.

I could almost picture the farm, the challenges they faced, and the satisfaction that comes from a hard day's work. There was something refreshing about a story that placed so much value on perseverance, responsibility, and taking pride in what you accomplish.

I realize this book hasn't received the best reviews, and perhaps its slower pace and simplicity aren't for everyone. But that's the wonderful thing about reading. We don't all have to love the same books, and sometimes a story speaks to us in ways it doesn't speak to others.

For me, An Unlikely Harvest was a heartfelt, enjoyable read that reminded me there's beauty in simple things, satisfaction in hard work, and something special about two people learning to build a life together.

It's the kind of book I'd recommend curling up with on a dreary afternoon, when there's nowhere you need to be and nothing you need to rush.

Despite the ratings, I genuinely enjoyed this one. And sometimes, that's all that matters.

[Melissa Breese Palmer · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I really loved An Unlikely Harvest. Dustin and Holly were an unlikely pair who learned to work together well. Dustin immediately disliked Holly and everything he thought she stood for. She never let him get away with it. I did find it weird that they didn’t seem to know each other when their families were side by side for over 30 years. They finally found common ground and Dustin’s mother got in the way. However he kept seeing how hard she worked and how hard his own mother and town were hoping she failed. He stood by her and helped her succeed. He started seeing their farms as one and her as an equal and not the enemy. She just wanted a chance and some help. I loved their story and how they quickly came together. I love that a little bit of her life made him instantly jealous and on edge with her. I also loved that he didn’t have any exes or past lovers mentioned. His focus was always her and he found his happiness and they kept their farms together! His mother and the town came around and accepted her in a sweet way. Her sisters were a fun edition. The epilogue was beautiful! I’m ready for the next sister’s story!

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This was an amazing and wonderful book. Holly is a lawyer from Boston who has to return home to settle her dads estate after his passing. She meets the !an next door and neighbor Dustin. It isn't a happy meeting. After hearing the terms of the will she has to seek help from the neighbor who she can't stand. Dustin made a promise to his father. He would fight to keep the land and farm. Even to the expansion if the woman next door land as well. She was a lawyer what did she know about harvesting syrup. An unlikely duo forced to beat the odds of a dying farm.

[Liv · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uhhh, I was not a fan. The idea was cute, and the premise had promise, but the execution was rough. The story didn’t make much sense and felt off from start to finish. I found myself naturally skimming paragraphs and not caring about what was happening. Sorry, but this one just wasn’t it for me. I think with some more editing and refining, it could be better, but as it stands, it fell flat for me. It truly became a chore to finish, and that’s never a feeling you want to have when reading a book.

[Rachel Kenney]

I can’t even get into it because while the premise of the story is cute, the author clearly did not research VT maple syrup. Maple syrup is “harvested” in the spring. There’s zero shot they do this in the fall and that’s such a major plot hole as a Vermonter with a family Sugar House.

From the chapters I did read, I struggled to tell which characters voice it was each time. It would be helpful if she titled each chapter with the character names!

[Tina Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings

Feuds handed down from generations until nobody knows what the feud was about in the first place, but they do remember that the parties involved were usually best friends with the same interest. Then the children finally come to a understanding and patch the miscommunication into something great. Family, misunderstandings, old age, love of land and farming, and finally coming home to live.

[SassypantsReading · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a Kindle challenge because it was one of the options that interested me. Autumn, Vermont, flanneled neighbor? Normally that would be a recipe for success. I'm so upset with myself for choosing this one lol! I honestly couldn't figure out how this book was published with such terrible editing. The inconsistencies in the details were so glaring and most of the plot didn't make sense. I hate that I wasted time reading this.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

She finds peace

I love words. I love how they can be strung together in beautiful word pictures, but Lordy. 😂

This is a romance but really a story of breaking down rivalry, rising from defeat and being willing to make changes. Holly, ready for partnership in a law firm gets the call…her father passed away. She heads home to the farm to clean up the estate only to find there is a hurdle in the Will.

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big city lawyer Holly heads home to handle her dad’s estate…only to discover there’s a catch: she has to work the farm.
Will she be able to save the farm and her heart? Oh, and did I mention she has to enlist the grumpy farmer next door for help?
You can probably guess where this is going and honestly, I loved every second. It’s a good little cozy autumn read

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My home state

Stella Bloom has either lived in Vermont or researched Vermont throughly. When I read Dustin and Holly's story I felt I was in a small farming town in the northeast kingdom. There are many small towns here. This wasn't only about Dustin and Holly, but about sisters rebuilding their relationship and the community they left and came back to.

[Kelly Bernhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the potential to be a great book but it didn’t play out that way. The progression of the storyline was slow, then rushed, and the timelines jumped around. Where it felt like the story should have stopped was about the 60% mark and then it kinda stopped being fluid. Unfortunately this was not a great book for me.

[Celina Rangel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a good fall romance, but unfortunately this did not do it for me. Felt like it barely had any romance (and I don’t just mean spice), it was overly descriptive (in a way that made reading confusing), and had lots of missing pieces. It had the makings of a cute hallmark story, but missed the mark for me.

[Rosey]

DNFed before 100 pages. This book felt like AI. There was no warmth to the prose and it was obnoxiously repetitive. I feel like Holly’s metaphorical walls that she “worked so hard to build” crumbled every other page. The author also told us that Holly was a lawyer every page, like we’d somehow forget the only characteristic of the protagonist. It was not worth the money, save yourself the time.