Candy Apple Kisses

by Amy Clipston

In a pumpkin spice-drenched best-friends-to-lovers sweet romance, a struggling artist returns to her hometown to save her best friend's orchard. Their fight against a corporate giant ignites an unexpected romance full of heart and small-town charm.

Emily never expected to return to Splendid Lake, the quaint town that held her childhood memories, and certainly not to help save Jake's family orchard. She left years ago with dreams of artistic glory in the city, but when Jake calls for help, she can't say no. As she steps back into the beauty of the lakeside community, Emily feels a tug of inspiration she thought she'd lost. Painting the orchard and its autumnal splendor breathes new life into her art, but it also stirs long-dormant emotions for Jake--feelings she's too scared to name, especially with Claire, his ex, hovering so close. Splendid Lake feels like home again, but Emily wonders if she belongs there--and if Jake sees her as more than just a friend.

For Jake, the orchard is more than just a business; it's a living legacy, a bond with his father and a promise to his family. But with a corporate giant threatening to buy up the market and modernize farming in ways he doesn't agree with, Jake feels the weight of saving it all on his shoulders. He knows he can't do it alone, so calling Emily was a no-brainer. What he didn't expect was how much her presence would change things--not just for the orchard but for his life. Amid the chaotic harvest preparations and Claire's lingering attempts to rekindle their broken relationship, Jake begins to realize that Emily might be more than his partner-in-saving-apples; she might just be the missing piece he's been too afraid to reach for.

As the two pour their hearts into revitalizing the orchard, their friendship deepens into something undeniable--until Claire's dramatic reappearance throws everything into chaos. Emily is left wondering if Jake's ready to leave his past behind, while Jake struggles to prove that this time, it's Emily he wants. With the orchard's future hanging by a thread and tensions mounting, Emily and Jake must overcome old fears, meddling exes, and the pressures of family expectations to find the courage to build something new a home, a partnership, and a love worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Hi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.

Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)

Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)

Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)


An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)

An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)

An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)

An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)

Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)

Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)

Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)

Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)

Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)

Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really been enjoying Amy Clipston’s contemporary romances set in the charming town of Splendid Lake.

This story had a wonderful autumn setting as well, which would make it the perfect fall read. As with all of her books set in Splendid Lake, the setting and small town vibes really came to life. I enjoyed all the fall vibes as well, like crisp breezes, candy apples, and cider. It made me long for fall even though it’s not even spring yet!

I really liked Emily and Jake as characters. Jake’s devotion to his family’s apple orchard (that has been in his family for a century!) was really sweet to see and I liked seeing Emily become more confident with her art as well. This is a friends-to-more romance which isn’t typically my favorite but it worked well here. They had a good friendship and were always there for each other. Emily liked Jake for a long time but never acted on her feelings since he had a girlfriend so I appreciated that.

I will say that I found the ending to be a bit convenient but overall this was another sweet romance story by one of my favorite authors!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston is A Sweet Romance Novel is a great second chance romance.

This book is a nice example of a good second-chance romance. Both Emily and Jake had a redo to find one another again after their lives took diverting paths.

Both characters were realistic, flawed, and presented with their own past issues, hang-ups, and also hearts willing to love again.

The author presented it all in a way that kept me interested throughout, hoping for that positive ending.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Thomas Nelson for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/6/26.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you reach for when life feels a little too heavy—when you’re sitting in a waiting room, or coming off a long day, and you want the reassurance of a story that will end well. Candy Apple Kisses offers a gentle, comforting romance wrapped in the sensory pleasures of autumn.

Set in the small-town world of Splendid Lake, the novel follows artist Emily Carmichael as she returns to the North Carolina mountains to help her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, save his family’s apple orchard. (Yes, it's really Hallmark movie-ish.) The stakes are familiar: a beloved legacy under threat, a corporate shadow looming, and a centennial celebration that feels like both a deadline and a last hope. What unfolds is a classic friends-to-more romance, one that leans into the slow realization that what has always been steady and dependable might also be something deeper.

The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The orchard, with its century-old roots, feels lovingly drawn, and the town itself carries that cozy, lived-in charm that makes you want to linger. There’s a tangible sense of season here—crisp air, cider, candy apples, and the golden glow of fall—that makes this an especially fitting read as the leaves begin to turn.

Emily and Jake are easy to like. Jake’s devotion to his family and their orchard gives the story a grounded sweetness, while Emily’s return home allows space for her own growth, particularly in her confidence as an artist. Their relationship is built on a believable foundation of friendship—they show up for each other, they understand each other—and that makes the romantic shift feel natural, even if it follows a familiar path.

The conflict, particularly in the form of Jake’s ex-girlfriend, requires a bit of suspension of disbelief. She’s more dramatic than nuanced, and at times her presence feels designed to stir the pot rather than deepen the story. And Jake's mom is hard to understand relative to each girl. But if you’re willing to accept that—and this is the kind of book that invites you to—her role doesn’t ultimately detract from the overall charm.

This is not a novel that sets out to surprise you. You’ll likely see the ending coming from the beginning. But that’s part of its appeal. Candy Apple Kisses offers the steady comfort of a happily-ever-after you can trust, delivered with warmth, small-town charm, and a generous helping of fall atmosphere. It’s a sweet, light read—perfect for when you want to rest in a story that asks very little of you and gives back something cozy and kind. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Tracie Piqué · Rating 2 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses was a frustrating read for me because it contained so many of the elements that should have worked. I've read most of Amy Clipston's contemporary romances, and one of the things I typically appreciate about her books is that they know exactly what they are: wholesome, small-town romances with likable characters, strong family themes, and a comforting Hallmark-style feel. Unfortunately, this one never came together for me.

The biggest issue was that I never fully believed Jake and Emily's friendship. The story repeatedly tells readers that they've been best friends for years, but the more I learned about their history, the less convincing that friendship felt. Major life events, personal struggles, family tragedies, and even lifelong dreams seemed to be things they never actually shared with one another. By the end, I felt like I was being asked to accept their closeness rather than being shown it on the page.

Jake was also a difficult hero for me to connect with. He wasn't cruel or intentionally hurtful, but he was so conflict-avoidant that it became frustrating. Much of the story's tension could have been resolved if he had been willing to set clear boundaries and communicate honestly, particularly when it came to Claire and the increasingly messy situation surrounding their relationship.

The pacing also felt repetitive. Conversations about the orchard failing, warnings from townspeople, and resistance from family members seemed to repeat without adding much new tension. As a result, the story often felt like it was circling the same conflicts instead of building toward something bigger. I was also disappointed by the lack of atmosphere. Since this book takes place in Splendid Lake, I suspect some readers may already feel connected to the setting from previous books. As someone who has read Amy Clipston's Coral Cove novels but not her Splendid Lake books, I never felt immersed in the town, the orchard, or the fall setting the way I hoped to.

Ironically, the most engaging part of the story ended up being Claire's involvement because it was one of the few times the plot felt like it was genuinely moving forward.

I didn't hate this book, and there were moments that reminded me why I've enjoyed Amy Clipston's work in the past. However, this one never delivered the emotional connection, believable friendship, or sense of atmosphere I was looking for. Unfortunately, the frustration outweighed the enjoyment for me, making this a 2-star read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an ALC of this book.

[Alcovia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this book. As a huge Hallmark fan, I was very excited for a cozy fall friends-to-lovers story, and the orchard setting and fall atmosphere were exactly what I was hoping for.

Unfortunately, the story lost me about 40% in. We are told repeatedly that Emily and Jake are lifelong best friends, but it was hard to believe when Jake spent years in a relationship that his supposed best friend never once questioned. When his ex reappears, the situation starts out understandably enough but quickly escalates in ways that Jake repeatedly fails to address.

When the big misunderstanding happens, Emily immediately jumps to the worst possible conclusion. For someone who has known Jake for 25 years, it felt completely out of character. Two people who have been best friends that long should have more trust in each other than that.

It was also difficult to believe these characters were supposed to be 30 years old. The way they talked, reacted to situations, and approached relationships often felt much younger than their actual ages. The romance also felt rushed. One kiss later, they're calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend and using pet names, which felt awkward rather than romantic.

Claire is set up as the villain, but we don't get enough backstory early in the story to make her behavior feel believable. Details revealed later actually raised more questions than they answered, making the whole dynamic harder to accept rather than easier.

I also struggled to care about Jake's father because he was written so unlikeably that his health storyline never landed for me. The moment tied to the title also felt more awkward than sweet to me.

None of these issues on their own would have been enough to derail the story, but together they made it difficult for me to stay invested in the characters and their relationships.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧 ALC Review 📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🗓 PUB DATE: July 07, 2026

🍁Setting🍁:

🍎Apple Orchard (cider, candy apples, apple pie)
🍂Fall Festival
🎃Pumpkin Patch
🌾Hay Rides
🏘 Small Town

Love the fall atmosphere and setting of Splendid Lake in the western North Carolina mountains. If this wasn't from Netgalley, I would have saved this to read in the fall.

"Soon the humid days would fade into cool nights and the leaves would transform into brilliant shades of gold, orange and brown."

The perfect mood read/listen. Weather you read it in the fall or any other time of year, the atmosphere that Amy Clipston creates through her writing will take you right to the warm coziness of fall. 

🗣Narrator🗣: I liked the pacing Brittany Goodwin brought to the story through her narration. Some narrators read too slow for me and I have to speed it up, but the pace was great even on 1.0 speed. I also liked the different voices she did for the various characters. 

📙Cover📙: So pretty! I wanted to read this just from the cover alone.

📖Story📖:

🎬Hallmark Vibes
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Friends to Lovers
❤️‍🩹 Miscommunication
🤪 Crazy Ex

A clean second chance romance for Emily and Jake, who reunite when Emily returns home to Splendid Lake to help Jake save his family's apple orchard. Oftentimes I struggle to truly enjoy the plot and romance in many PG romance novels. While on the other hand, I find myself enjoying the plot and romance in spicy romances, but not enjoying the spicy parts. This is my second book from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it yet again. They remind me of cute little Hallmark movies. If you enjoy clean romances with an emotional payoff, you should add this fall romance to your TBR. If you completely despise miscommunication tropes, you may not enjoy this as much.

🙏Thank you, Netgalley, Amy Clipston and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ALC.🙏

[Julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warm and sweet, packed with big emotions, drenched in nostalgia, but super stressful.

Emily Carmichael drops everything, returning to her childhood small town, Splendid Lake, to save her best friend, Jake Hughes. He sent out a SOS text with no further information, but after two decades of friendship, the details don't matter. Emily moved away after her parents were tragically killed, but she would move mountains for Jake, so she can ignore that trauma to help him. Jake's panicking because the rival apple orchard made big changes this year and he knows the Hughes' 100th orchard celebration will fail if he doesn't make big changes to compete- and fast!

Seeing Jake arouses Emily's longstanding admiration for him- which she dutifully tries to ignore until she discovers he broke up with his long time, long distance girlfriend, Claire, over irreconcilable differences.

Unfortunately, Claire refuses to accept their breakup and acts psychotically in the hopes of trapping, er, wooing, Jake. Emily doesn't know what to believe when presented with two completely opposing "truths", but running away becomes the catalyst for deeply needed clarity and peace that she's been lacking for years.

Buckle up, buttercup: you're in for a wild ride.

Troupes: clean romance, returning home, childhood friends, found family, apple orchard, small town, cozy setting, slow burn, friends to lovers, miscommunication break-up, she saves the day, grand gesture
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: volatile parent, over-reaching/narcissistic ex

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC!

[mari reese · Rating 1 out of 5]

reading the premise, the book had exactly what i wanted. the small town, autumn candy apple feel. i have to say i was disappointed.

i didn’t enjoy the evil ex trope, especially because it was not done well. if she wanted him that bad, how come she doesn’t live in the same town as her parents and boyfriend.

jake is a really annoying male lead. conflict-avoidant and so boring. i especially hate how his pov felt like he was talking about the same things over and over:
emily
dad
the orchard
ally’s school tuition
the orchard
emily

we understand what the conflict is, thanks.

i also have an issue with emily’s character. youre telling me she moved away after her parents passed to a mew city, and there’s nothing for her there so many years later? how is she so willing to move. yes she denied wanting to several times, but it was still on her mind.
speaking of on her mind, we know practically nothing about her except that she is an artist and that shes in love with jake. she has no personality.

building off of that, throughout the book everyone mentions how jake and emily are bestfriends, but you never feel it. they know basic things about eachother and it feels very surface-level.
especially after THAT scene, does she not know her bestfriend enough to trust him, at least? it all felt very shallow.

if the writing was good, i wouldn’t be mad. it felt like i was reading a wattpad story, and even then it is an insult to the authors on that website. the writing was boring, bland and repetitive.

i had high expectations going into this, and i was very disappointed.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Amy Clipston is best known for her delightful Amish stories, I also really enjoy her contemporary romances. And Candy Apple Kisses? That title alone totally grabbed my attention — because let’s be honest… it is peak romance novel energy. 😍🍎

I went into this story having not even read the synopsis.
Yep — just the title + the author.

And I got exactly what I expected: a lovely, sweet, clean romance with full-on Hallmark movie charm. Honestly, that’s probably how I’d market it — because this book absolutely has the makings of a future Hallmark Channel flick! 🎬💕

Here’s what you get:

🍏 Small-town girl trying to make it big in the big city
🍎 An SOS from her childhood best friend — who also happens to be the guy she’s loved forever
🍏 He owns an orchard in jeopardy due to a giant corporate competitor
🍎 He needs her help to save the family farm
🍏 Oh, and he’s on the outs with his girlfriend because she just “doesn’t get him”

I mean… ring a bell?
😂😂😂

Sure — it’s cliché, but it works because you know you’re reading this book for the happily-ever-after. Not for some big life-altering revelation.

Just like those Hallmark movies everyone loves. 💖

🌟 Final Verdict: 4 stars
Cute, cozy, warm, fuzzy, and full of happily-ever-after vibes. Plus… now I desperately want to go visit an orchard myself. 🍏✨

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses is a contemporary story by Amy Clipston. This story focuses on the Hughes Family Orchard as it struggles to prosper at it’s 100th year. Jake has called his best friend, Emily, to ask for her help. Not only is Jake struggling with the future of the orchard and family responsibilities, but he is also struggling with being able to move forward after breaking up with his long time girlfriend.

This is a very well written story that is easy to follow and imagine. The beginning moved a little slow for me, but I was able to get into it very quickly. There are so many good points to this story. Jake feels so committed to his family and the orchard that was started by his grandfather. Emily has been struggling to move on since the death of her parents and agrees to go back to Splendid Lake to help Jake. I just love how she is able to come up with all the ideas for the orchard. I like how she was able to get his father to go along with her ideas just by talking with him. I enjoyed how their friendship has been with them for so long and how they share so many things. I especially enjoyed how Emily was able to get back to her art and how that makes such a big difference for her and Jake. It’s hard not to feel for Jake as his ex-girlfriend will not accept his decision and goes to extremes to try to get him back. This is an enjoyable story to read.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Simply Stevie Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up :)
I was so incredibly excited to return to Splendid Lake! I absolutely adored Amy Clipston's last two books set in this gorgeous small town, so diving into Candy Apple Kisses felt like coming home to a cozy, charming community filled with found family, crisp fall vibes, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

While I truly enjoyed the story overall, this one wasn't quite my favorite of the series, and that is 100% because of the drama surrounding the exes. Let’s just say I truly, truly despised Claire—she was just so annoying! Because Jake is such a sweetheart who constantly worries about other people's feelings, he let things linger far longer than he should have. I kept wishing he would just step up and nip Claire's behavior in the bud so much faster and louder! I totally get that the miscommunication and the vile ex-girlfriend were necessary to drive the plot forward and create the conflict, but it definitely had me talking back to my headphones a few times.

Aside from that frustration, the actual romance and the Splendid Lake setting were just as lovely as ever. If you love a good Hallmark movie full of drama, small-town autumn aesthetics, sweet swoons, and a tight-knit community, you are still going to want to pick this one up!

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced listener copy (ALC) of this audiobook! I am so incredibly appreciative as always.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Carmichael and Jake Hughes have been best friends since they were five years old. During their teen years, Emily developed a deep crush on Jake, but by then he was dating someone else, so she kept her feelings to herself. After the tragic loss of her parents, Emily sold the family home and left Splendid Lake behind, convinced she would never return.
Years later, at twenty-nine, Jake is fighting to save his family’s apple orchard. With the orchard’s 100th anniversary approaching, he reaches out to Emily, hoping her artistic talent and creative vision can help him plan a memorable centennial celebration. As they work side by side, old feelings begin to resurface for Emily — and Jake starts to realize that the sparks between them might be more than friendship. But complications arise when Jake’s ex-girlfriend continues inserting herself into his life and his parents’, stirring up tension and doubt.
Amy Clipston has a gift for crafting heartwarming stories filled with lovable, relatable characters, and this novel is no exception. Once I settled into this delightful tale, I couldn’t put it down. The blend of friendship, second chances, and emotional depth kept me turning pages straight through to the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses had such a cozy and sweet small-town fall vibe that I really enjoyed at first. I liked the setting of the orchard and how Emily is trying to help with Jake’s orchard while navigating her feelings for Jake, who has always been part of her life in some way. The seasonal atmosphere and the community elements gave the story a warm, comforting feel, and there were moments where Emily’s dedication and kindness really stood out.

What didn’t work for me at all was the amount of miscommunication, especially toward the second half of the book. Jake’s relationship with Claire was frustrating to read, and the way he handled that situation made it hard to fully root for him. It felt like the story kept creating avoidable tension instead of letting the characters grow naturally, and because of that, I found myself more invested in Emily as an individual than in the romance itself. Honestly, Emily deserved better than how things played out.

Even with those frustrations, the setting and overall tone still made this an okay read. The small-town charm and fall atmosphere are definitely highlights, but the relationship dynamics and repeated misunderstandings kept it from being as satisfying as I hoped. Three stars.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston

This was such a fun, sweet, clean, and wholesome fall romance. I did a mix of ebook and audiobook. I really enjoyed the narrator and thought she did a wonderful job.

The story has so many aspects that will pull on your heartstrings. Emily is trying to find a place to call home after both her parents are killed and the place she grew up in and knew and loved, doesn't feel like home without them.

Even though she struggles to be home, Emily knows she must return to help her lifelong friend, Jake, save his family’s ranch.

Jake is struggling dealing with his sick father, trying to support the family, keep the orchard open, and escape his crazy ex girlfriend, Claire.

Claire made me CRINGE. She just sucks so bad!

But Emily and Jake were perfection. You could feel that sweet tension from the beginning. It is a slow burn but a worth it burn. I love the found family aspect and the childhood best friends to lovers.

If spice is your thing, this would not be the book for you but I ABSOLUTELY adored this part. I’m all about the low to no spice.

This book is so fun for a fall read and I will probably read it again come October.

Thank you to @thomasnelsonfiction, @Amy_clipston, and @uplitreads for the ARC and ALC

[Kay Defreese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the romance stores set in small towns. I love this one. Made me wish I could live in a place like Splendid Lake. Spendid Lake is the setting from a previous book by Amy Clipston but this is a stand alone book. I don't recall if the previous characters from Splendid Lake were mentioned in this book. In this book Emily has always been in love with Jake but they always remained in the best buddies category. Jake's family has an orchard business and when the orchard starts to decline because of a large scale competition moving in that undercuts their prices Jake calls on his best friend Emily to come help him out. Jake has had an of again and on again relationship with the beautiful Claire, currently an ex. Jake and Emily might have a chance to be more than friends if Claire doesn't get in the way. I could not put this book down. This author usually writes in the Amish romance genre but I really do like her contemporary romance stories. She is such a good writer that I might read some of her Amish novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book with all the cozy autumn smalltown vibes that feels just like stepping into a Hallmark movie, Candy Apple Kisses is it. It may be springtime, but this one definitely had me looking forward to fall with best friends Jake and Emily working together to try and keep his family's orchard afloat. These two drew me in right from the start. They had such a great, easy chemistry with their friendship and it made that transition into something more feel just perfect for them. It was believable and natural... though certainly not without its issues, especially with a persistent ex-girlfriend making her presence known! I loved the way these two supported one another throughout the story, and seeing Emily's confidence in her art grow throughout was really beautiful as well. Truly, I just couldn't get enough of these two. Their story truly had all the coziness I love in a fall romance and felt like coming home. If you love small town charm and friends to more, this is definitely one to check out.

Candy Apply Kisses is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Candy Apple Kisses" by Amy Clipston is a cute fall story, perfect for apple picking and apple cider season. I always enjoy Amy's books and this one is no exception. I could totally see this one ending up as a Hallmark or GAF movie some day!

There was some great moments but also really frustrating tension between the two main characters Emily and Jake. This is definitely a story where the reader knows more than any of the characters do as they interact with each other. Enter Claire, Jake's ex girlfriend of many years that's determined to catch him and you have a love triangle with so much tension and drama worthy of the big screen.

The premise of saving Jakes' 100 year old family farm vs. the big corporation trying to buy them out (and taking over a rival apple farm) is definitely a common small town trope but the story is well done and as a reader/listener to this audiobook I just kept wanting to see what would happen next.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Ficiton Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an audiobook ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I seen who had written this book. You see, I love anything she writes but her Amish stories are my very favorite.
I loved this story for the Hallmark movie feel and 2nd chances. The colors of this book are gorgeous. The perfect blend of Fall.
I took my time in savoring this story because I didn't want it to end. I loved Emily and Jake's story. So heartfelt that in some places I wanted to cry it was so sweet.
This story hit home for me in many ways. The grief shared in this novel, the years of friendship lots going on in here that will keep you turning the pages. "Sigh"
Emily and Jake's somewhat banter made me smile at times too. I think these two were meant to be no matter how much time has passed. For everything there is a season and it's true.
Loved the small town vibe too. Another favorite about the story. Im from a small town so it resonates with me.
5 stars for a job well done. I highly recommend!
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m giving this a 4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
​I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
​A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was a fantastic autumn read that I absolutely devoured in one sitting.
​The cozy vibes of Splendid Lake are top-tier. It reminded me so much of Gilmore Girls—there was even an "I smell snow" quote that felt like a perfect wink to us fans. I am a total sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope, and watching Jake finally realize he was in love with Emily was such a highlight. The characters were endearing and believable... except for Claire. I hated her with my whole heart!
​The only reason this isn't a full 5-star review is that the ending felt a bit rushed. Or maybe I was just being selfish and wanted 100 more pages of this amazing couple! If you want a book you can’t put down until the final page, this is it.
​Looking for more "Stars Hollow" energy in your TBR? Follow my profile @TheLitWhisperer for the ultimate cozy town guide!

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ — heavy on the writing, heavy on the small-town swoon. Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston delivers all the cozy, Hallmark-worthy fall vibes with its charming orchard setting and childhood best-friends-to-lovers romance. Emily returning to Splendid Lake to help Jake save his family’s apple orchard (during its 100th anniversary, no less) brings warmth, nostalgia, and just enough tension—especially with Claire lurking like the world’s most unwelcome pumpkin spice. I loved the grief threads, the history between them, and the way the small town feels alive and comforting, but Jake’s inability to speak up had me muttering, “sir, use your words,” more than once. The miscommunication felt a little unnecessary, and the ending slightly rushed, but the cozy atmosphere and heartfelt sweetness carried it through. If you love clean, second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance wrapped in crisp fall air and apple cider energy, this one will absolutely hit. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Grace (alatteofliterature)]

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ALC through NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emily Carmichael returns to Splendid Lake to help her childhood best friend Jake Hughes to save his family's orchard. Honestly, I could've enjoyed this story a lot more if the only antihero was the corporate giant trying to force a sale of Hughes Family Orchard.

Jake's ex-girlfriend is the Dolores Umbridge of this universe and makes Voldemort look tame by comparison. Claire shows up throughout most of the book wreaking havoc, and it's just plain ridiculous. She has no redeeming qualities and is made to be incredibly shallow; I actually would've liked this story more if she were more likeable or had more a real role. The culmination of this plot line was too absurd to be believable, and it really kept me from being able to enjoy this book.

Brittany Goodwin's narration is good, but I usually wish these types of audiobooks were duel narration.

[Grace (alatteofliterature) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC through NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Emily Carmichael returns to Splendid Lake to help her childhood best friend Jake Hughes to save his family's orchard. Honestly, I could've enjoyed this story a lot more if the only antihero was the corporate giant trying to force a sale of Hughes Family Orchard.

Jake's ex-girlfriend is the Dolores Umbridge of this universe and makes Voldemort look tame by comparison. Claire shows up throughout most of the book wreaking havoc, and it's just plain ridiculous. She has no redeeming qualities and is made to be incredibly shallow; I actually would've liked this story more if she were more likeable or had more a real role. The culmination of this plot line was too absurd to be believable, and it really kept me from being able to enjoy this book.

[Dominique Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC gifted in exchange for review.

If you love hallmark coded, cozy romances then you will eat this up. In the small town of Splendid Lake, the Hughes family apple orchard is in trouble. Jake turns to his best friend since childhood, Emily, for help. Emily immediately rushes back to help Jake and his family save the orchard that’s been like a home to her for years, while fighting her growing feelings for the boy that’s always been in her corner. The relationship with Jake and Emily was cute, and I loved her relationship with his parents. I couldn’t stand Claire and how she constantly inserted herself. Leon was pigheaded and really got on my nerves. Honestly, this would be a solid candidate for the hallmark channel. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and cozy, with friends to lovers in a small town, this is for you.

[Ace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author for providing the E-ARC for review consideration via NetGalley.

A hallmark-coded cozy read of a lighthearted novel. I always loved the concept of second chance romance in a small town setting, and that's why I eagerly wanted to read this book. This is a fast paced read through its light writing. Often times I would forget the character's ages since they would think and interact like young adults. Though this just wasn't what I expected in mind, I still had fun reading it. The inaction and communication is shaky, problems gets pushed aside for the sake of business until it all toppled down. That was a bit annoying. The writing makes me squint my eyes because of how they interact, it's cute.. though cringey at times. Which is still a charm. I somehow, still enjoyed reading it through.

[Amanda]

Candy Apple Kisses is such a sweet, gentle, pull yourself together when everything is falling apart, have the best time with your childhood best friend kind of novel.
Despite everything that Jake and Emily have to go through to get their family apple orchard up and running in time for the season, there's still a few things they didn't account for happening to make life even harder. Neither one of them wanting to admit their feelings for each other because they don't want to ruin the lifelong friendship they have with one another, they both do what they can to help and be there. This is a very sweet and clean romance. I cant wait to see it on my shelves

Tropes:
-Small town
-Friends to lovers, best friends to lovers
-Crazy ex's
-Contemporary
-Slow burn
-Clean romance

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses is a super cute book title, and the cover is absolutely stunning! The story didn’t do much for me, and neither did the writing. It got a bit repetitive and the main characters, Emily and Jake, were a bit too whiny for me. They’ve been best friends forever, but Jake has been with Claire since high school and Emily has been in love with him for even longer. Claire, the villain, is written so immaturely that it’s hard to believe. I didn’t like Jake’s dad either. Anyway, those are just my opinions on some of the characters - the plot was fine, and I absolutely love all the fall aspects, so I would recommend this for anyone looking for an easy autumnal read.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

[Audra Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story. I really liked the main character and her struggles. I loved her artist perspective and how art was such an ingrained part of her life. I enjoyed that the mail mail character helped bring that back for her…but all in all I didn’t like him at all. The more the story went on, the more I thought he was spineless. Then, at the turning point of the story, he just got worse. Some people won’t mind it I’m sure, but if I was the main female character, I would absolutely not be ok with the whole turn of events. He was given many chances to be better to her and he failed all of them. So, for me, the whole romance story wasn’t up to par.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed this author’s writings before, and you know what you’re going to get when you read a particular author multiple times. No surprises here, but a sweet, clean romance that brought back so many wonderful memories for me from growing up on a lake.

The story is set in a lake town, and Clipston‘s writing brings warm comfort and invokes a peaceful calm while you’re reading. That’s what I look for in a story when I’m super stressed and need to relax.

Candy Apple Kisses is a friends-to-sweethearts romance, but it’s also a beautiful contemporary fiction story. Friends take care of other friends, and that’s what this story is dedicated to supporting, but the turn of events makes it even better.

Second chances don’t come along very often, and the story slowly builds us into the community and the people in the town. The love and affection between them, and the growing love between our two main characters.

Emily is unsure of her gift of art or even where she should be in life, and Jake is devoted to his family’s business. Together, they let the feelings grow, and we get to watch a beautiful connection bloom.

There were a few communication issues, which were frustrating for me, but the author has crafted a story that you know will have a beautiful ending, along with an easy, comforting romance. With all of the ambience of fall, you can’t miss with this sweet, clean story.

~~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/candy-apple-...

[S. N. Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
It's cute if you don't think too hard. A small town, childhood friends to lovers, save the farm romance.
I really wanted to like it, and did up until the 75% mark. At that point the lack of open communication (both mc's), jumping straight to the worst and most drastic conclusions (fmc), and not immediately clearing up a major misunderstanding (mmc) drove me off the edge, and not in a good way. I literally paused my audiobook and yelled at the MC's for being so dumb and juvenile, which is sad seeing they're supposed to be almost 30. But maybe it just bothered me and you might be okay with it?
No language, no spice.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is my first time reading a book by this author. I have to admit that I struggled making it to the end. Maybe I’m more used to reading gritty stories and this one is a feel-good Hallmark type of story.
It read more like a YA book than a contemporary romance to me. If I didn’t know, I’d assume the main characters were teens. I also found some aspects of the story hard to believe. I don’t want to spoil anything, but in my opinion, the ex’s behavior was unrealistic. And I feel like the characters in general lacked depth.