Candy Apple Kisses: A Sweet Romance Novel

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

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

[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.

[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.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake's family has owned an apple orchard. In Western North Carolina, for a 100 years, this year and it couldn't have come at a worse time. A big corporation has bought out the down the road and threatens their livelihood on top of that. Jake's dad had a heart attack. So it's on him this year to show his dad. He's ready to take over the orchard. For good. So he calls in reinforcements, by way of his best friend.Since they were five years old, emily is an artist who ran away from their home town when her parents were killed.But of course, she comes back to help jake ( who she has been in love with since they were teens) with her good ideas, ithey come up with a plan to save the orchard, and hekp from some good friends and community they are set to celebrate, however throw in jake's ex girlfriend, claire, problems with the orchard down the road trying to their best to beat them, and Jake being kind of a winp when it comes to standing up to his ex and his parents they have a lot of issues going on- but in the lead up to the final days of preparation for the hundredth anniversary celebration, will they get things right in time?

Thank you.net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[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.

[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

[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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, cozy, fall read. It's a clean and classic friends to love trope. The apple orchard setting is lovely and makes me yearn for a warm fall day. My only complaint is the main male character, drives me batty when a man stays silent when he could just speak a few words and clear up all misunderstanding!!!! Augh! Also the title is a more than a little corny and how it is worked into the story really didn't fit for me. I would recommend this book for a light cozy read. Thank you Net Galley and Amy Clipston for the advanced readers copy!

[Annie ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea of this book was very sweet, childhood friends meeting back up to save his family’s orchard. Sounds like the perfect cozy book. To me it wasn’t, unfortunately I didn’t care for this one. I really wanted to like it, and I feel like I would’ve liked it more if the characters were teens but where they were thirty I found it less enjoyable. They both had every right to move on with other people. Just not my thing 🤷‍♀️

[Vera Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a good second-chance romance?
I adore them, and this one delivered exactly what it promised.

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

A perfect read for Valentine's Day. I recommend it.