Candy Apple Kisses: A cozy, low-spice fall romance

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, Audiobook, Friends To Lovers, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published July 1, 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

[cat (catching up slowly) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted this to be a perfect cozy fall romance.
Seriously… childhood best friends to lovers? A family orchard? Small-town North Carolina in the fall? I was so ready to eat this up.
Instead, I kept feeling like I was reading the same chapter in different fonts. Every time I thought the story was finally about to move forward, we’d end up circling the exact same issues again. It just felt so repetitive that I started getting frustrated because I genuinely felt like nothing was happening.

What surprised me the most was that I never believed Jake and Emily as lifelong best friends. Forget the romance 😭 I wasn’t even convinced by the friendship. They’re almost in their thirties, but they barely seemed to know each other on a deeper level, and it felt like they never actually talked about anything important. I wanted years of history, inside jokes, effortless comfort… something that made me believe these two had been inseparable since childhood. I just... never felt it 😭

Jake also drove me absolutely insane. 😭 He constantly seemed afraid to have the difficult conversations, and it only made everything messier. I was begging him to stop tiptoeing around everyone’s feelings and just say what needed to be said.

I also wasn’t a fan of the other woman drama involving Jake’s ex, Claire. (i never really like OW drama and this is a good reminder why LOL) Part of my frustration was that Jake never seemed willing to shut things down in a clear, direct way. Watching him keep sidestepping those conversations while Claire kept pushing just made the whole situation feel more frustrating than emotional. And honestly… Claire’s obsession with Jake just never felt believable to me. If she genuinely loved him that much, why not just move back home? The more the story leaned into her trying to win him back, the less invested I became. By the end the things she was doing felt so over-the-top that I was actually laughing instead of feeling any tension. 🤣 i felt like i was reading a children's story

The biggest takeaway for me was Emily rediscovering her passions. I genuinely loved watching her reconnect with that part of herself, and the smalltown setting was decently cute. The fall atmosphere was cozy, and there were definitely moments that reminded me why I picked this book up in the first place.

I hate that this one didn’t work for me because I’ve been gravitating toward more clean romances lately, and I’ve heard so many amazing things about this author. Sadly, the writing style just wasn’t the right fit for me. I needed stronger chemistry, a friendship that actually felt lived in, characters who communicated like adults, and a plot that didn’t feel like it was running in circles.

things to know about the book ↓

🍎 childhood best friends to lovers
🍎 second chance
🍎 clean romance
🍎 smalltown
🍎 written in 3rd person
🍎 OW drama
🍎 3rd act breakup
🍎 cozy fall vibes

swearing: no
spice rating: mild kisses

Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 🍎🍂 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕

buddy reading with my cutie sis eve 🤭😝
this cover is gorgeous and the trope!? childhood friends to lovers has my heart forever 🥹🥹

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston
NOW AVALIABLE

Thoughts
In my Goodreads 2026 goals I had mentioned ARCs ect till June, however I do like to browse through NG more than normal 😂 I came across this cosy winter / autumn read and couldn't resist, it was such a cute second chance /childhood best friends romance, I felt like I was immersed into their small town, I love losing myself in books like this for a few hours. Even though this read had no spice, it doesn't take away from the heartwarming romance. Although I read across all genres I have come to realise that I don't know many books without spice so this felt like a hidden gem in that sense especially when you're not intentionally searching for no spice recs; also I've been wanting to read from this author and it was a cute first reading experience.

Plot Summary
Emily returns to her hometown of Splendid Lake to help Jake save his family’s struggling orchard, hoping the trip will also reignite her passion for painting. As they work together, old feelings begin to resurface, but Jake’s ex-girlfriend and the uncertain future of the orchard threaten to keep them apart.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC

My Bookstagram

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional story of two friends who have been best friends since they were five years old. When Jake asked Emily to come home to Splendid Lake to help him save his family's apple orchard, she did. She has loved him since she was a teenager but he has always had eyes for Claire. There is a lot going on in the story: old hurts, past grief, some underhanded dealings from a competitor, and a mean girl with a conivving plan and doubt. With an uphill battle, Jake and Emily work for what seems an impossible goal. Inspiring and feel good ending.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.

[ryliekate_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of the Advanced Audiobook Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

3.75 stars!
This was so cute, sweet, and heartwarming! Was it cheesy? Absolutely. But cheesy in the best way. With themes of friends-to-lovers, second chances, and healing, Candy Apple Kisses is such a great cozy season read!!!
While, yes, it was predictable and very much followed the classic three act story structure of a romance, it was still really enjoyable! And though at times they didn’t feel fleshed out, the main characters were quite likable.
Candy Apple Kisses is a clean read (no swearing or spice), however there is a lot of physical attraction really toed the line of being a bit lusty (clothes clinging after going swimming and being attracted physically). But nothing too explicit!!!
I definitely recommend reading if you enjoy clean, sweet, and cozy books!
Happy reading :)

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Publishing and NetGalley for providing an audio-ARC in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[pages_that_burn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC version of this.

Sometimes the sweetest love stories are the ones that have been quietly waiting all along.

Candy Apple Kisses is a cozy, heartwarming romance full of small-town charm and characters you can't help but root for.

Jake and Emily's ending was worth the wait, even if I felt the miscommunication lasted a little too long for two people who had been best friends for so long. Love triangles also aren't my favorite trope, but this one never took away from the warmth and heart of the story. And Claire...let's just say karma doesn't forget.

4🌟
🫑

Cozy Small Town / Friends to Lovers / Love Triangle

[Daulton Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the scratch and sniff sticker to get me in the mood for reading the book. Really wished the main character would’ve had much more of a backbone to stand up to his ex-girlfriend and have her institutionalized, stand up to his mom’s pressure to marry and have kids and just do what he wants, and stand up to his dad’s verbal abuse rather than continuously seek his approval and let him steam roll him.

[Sarah Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ i would like to thank the author for this ARC and in return for my honest review.

I loved this book!! It was such a sweet cozy small town friends to lovers romance!!! It was an easy read and the premise of the story was right in tune with a small town! And the emotional roller coaster was perfect! Definitely recommend!

[shereadswith_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re anything like me, it’s never too early for a “Fall” read! Thanks to @Thomasnelson for this eARC and ALC in exchange for my review. Congrats to author Amy clipton for this amazing fall read.
Candy Apple Kisses is a cozy, feel-good small town romance filled with nostalgia! It has it all, from the hometown ice cream shop, Scoops, to a family apple orchard and the discovery of what might become of lifelong friends Emily and Jake.

I loved the premise of Emily returning “home” to Splendid Lake to help Jake save his family’s struggling apple orchard from a competitors recent threat. As Emily’s ideas start to take form, jake is not only surprised at her creativity and artistic talent, but he’s seeing a different side of the little girl he once knew. Now almost 30 years old, they realize there might be more than just the banter that has existed for so long.
Standing in their way, is Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Claire, who still is insisting that she loves him no matter what, and she will do anything to prove it.

Best friends to lovers
Childhood friends
Slow burn
Small Town
Fall Harvest
Found family

I loved this heartwarming read with its sweet small town romance, family ties and “Fall” feels including Jake’s apple cider,and even his cat, Dusty!
If you appreciate a charming closed door romance, this one should be on top of your list for Fall!

[Amber (amberreadsitall) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Carmichael returns to Splendid Lake, North Carolina to help her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, save his family's struggling apple orchard. As they prepare for the centennial celebration, their longstanding friendship deepens into something more, but it is complicated by a rival corporate apple farm and Jake's persistent ex-girlfriend.

I enjoyed the cozy, fall vibes of this story. I also loved the apple orchard and the small town setting. Emily’s character was well developed, and I wanted to tell her the she deserved better all throughout this book. Jake was way too old to be letting people manipulate and push him around the way he did, so I was frustrated with his character a lot throughout the story. I did appreciate that this story was low spice (kisses only).

The narration of this story was performed by Brittany Goodwin. She did a good job performing the different voices for this audiobook.

Read this story if you enjoy:
🩷cozy romance
🩷friends to lovers
🩷small town setting
🩷Autumn vibes
🩷low spice romance
🩷save the family business

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[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.

[Lizzie Hammerstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 Stars)
Candy Apple Kisses was such a cozy, heartwarming read that wrapped me in all the wonderful feelings of autumn.  The moment Emily returned to Splendid Lake, I found myself completely swept up in the charm of the orchard, the small-town community, and the quiet beauty of a love that had been growing for years.
Emily and Jake's lifelong friendship made their romance especially meaningful. Their relationship wasn't built on grand gestures, but on years of trust, loyalty, and showing up for one another. Watching their friendship slowly blossom into something deeper was tender, sweet, and filled with moments that made me smile. Jake's unwavering dedication to his family and preserving the orchard's legacy, paired with Emily's journey of rediscovering where she truly belonged, gave the story so much heart.
The fall atmosphere was absolutely delightful. Fall is my favorite time of the year. From apple cider and candy apples to hayrides, harvest festivals, and the breathtaking orchard, every chapter felt like stepping into the perfect autumn day. It made me want to throw on a cozy sweater, sip a warm drink, and stay in that little town just a bit longer.
I both read the Kindle edition and listened to the audiobook, and Brittany Goodwin did a wonderful job bringing Emily and Jake's story to life. Her narration added warmth and emotion that made the experience even more enjoyable.
While there were a few moments that kept this from being a full five-star read for me, I genuinely loved spending time with these characters. Candy Apple Kisses is a wholesome, closed-door romance filled with friendship, family, healing, hope, and the reminder that sometimes the sweetest love stories are the ones that have been waiting patiently all along.
If you're looking for a cozy fall romance with small-town charm and plenty of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🍎🍂❤️
Thank you Netgalley 🩷

[Melissa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're anything like me, it's never too early for a cozy fall read! Huge thanks to @ThomasNelson for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review, and congratulations to Amy Clipston on another wonderful story!

Candy Apple Kisses is everything I want in a cozy autumn romance. It honestly felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie with crisp fall air, apple orchards, small-town charm, and all the cozy vibes. I could practically smell the apple cider and hear the crunch of leaves under my boots!

Emily returns home to Splendid Lake to help her lifelong friend, Jake, save his family's struggling apple orchard from a competitor threatening everything they've worked so hard to build. Watching Emily bring fresh ideas to the orchard while Jake slowly realizes she's no longer the little girl he grew up with made my heart so happy. Their chemistry builds at just the right pace, making every little moment feel worth the wait.

And because every good romance needs a little drama, Jake's ex-girlfriend Claire isn't quite ready to let him go. Let's just say... she definitely keeps things interesting!

🍎 Childhood Friends
🍂 Best Friends to Lovers
🤎 Slow Burn Romance
🎃 Small-Town Charm
🍁 Apple Orchard
☕ Cozy Fall Vibes
❤️ Closed-Door Romance
👨‍👩‍👧 Found Family

One of my favorite things about this book was how cozy it felt. From Scoops, the hometown ice cream shop, to Jake's fresh apple cider and even his sweet cat, Dusty, every chapter wrapped me up like my favorite oversized sweater. This is the kind of book that makes you want to light your favorite pumpkin candle, grab a cozy blanket, and pretend it's October—even if it's 95 degrees outside.

If you're already counting down to sweater weather (or you're simply wishing for it!), go ahead and add Candy Apple Kisses to your fall TBR. This sweet, heartwarming romance is the perfect way to kick off cozy reading season, no matter what the calendar says.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake and Emily have been friends forever. But, several years ago she left town… for good.
But when Jake calls and asks her to come home to help him to fix his family’s orchard… well, she drops everything to be there for him!
She has always held a special place in her heart for Jake… But Jake always had Clare. And she is not nice at all to Emily…

As the two spend time together trying to figure out ways to Save The Orchard, well, Clare is getting more and more miffed. Even though Jake broke up with her way before Emily ever came home!

Emily is an artist and had worked very hard in the past… from scribbling pictures on napkins when they were kids in school, to painting beautiful pictures, many of which are saved in Jake’s parents basement. But now, she’s not working in this area anymore. And Jake cannot understand why?

As they work through ways to try to save and sustain The Orchard, Jake’s Dad keeps putting down the ideas that they’ve come up with. Jake is VERY WORRIED, as a huge competitor seems to be taking over and their orchard is losing business. And Emily keeps coming up with ideas to put their name out there… and bring in more business. But it’s a huge, expensive process…

I loved seeing the two of them work together, and all the ideas. I also loved how Emily had a way with the Dad… a real softy to her… but so tough on his son!

This was emotional, powerful, sweet,a bit sassy and wonderful!
4 glowing, bright, sentimental, sometimes outrageous stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#CandyAppleKisses by @AmyClipston and narrated nicely by @BrittanyGoodwin.

This one has not been released yet. Please look 👀 for it starting July 7, 2026!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFiction and @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Libro.FM and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a gifted ALC copy of Candy Apple Kisses. All opinions are my own.

Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Brittany Goodwin
Time: 8 hours 36 minutes

Candy Apple Kisses is a small town romance that follows childhood friend to lovers, Emily and Jake. I loved the setting of the book and the two friends reuniting to help save Jake’s family’s orchard. There are some great cozy vibes happening in the story, and the narration worked really well with the dual POVs.

My biggest issue with this book was the characters and the decisions they made throughout the story. Claire was a ridiculous, horrible character and Jake’s parents were pretty awful too, and Jake and Emily just continued to let them run all over them without standing up for themselves.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Dual POVs
* Small Town
* Childhood Friends
* Family Conflict

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🚫

If you enjoy closed door romance with cozy Fall vibes then Candy Apple Kisses might be one you want to add to your TBR.

[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.

[Kass Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly the kind of cozy romance thats perfect to curl up with on a crisp fall afternoon! Between the small town charm, autumn vibes, and sweet romance, this book felt like strolling through a harvest festival with a warm drink! Amy Clipston creates such a comforting atmosphere that I could practically smell the cider and pumpkin treats!

Now, lets talk about Emily and Jake! I spent most of the book quietly (ok… maybe not so quietly) rooting for them to finally figure things out! Their journey had just the right mix of tension, and friendship that make you want to just nudge them together already. The romance is wholesome, the setting is delightful, and the entire story feels fall! Plus! I love that the only "spice" you'll find in this book is pumpkin kind!

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own

[Brooke-Lynn Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet friends-to-lovers romance.

Best friends Jake and Emily grew up together while Jake lived at his family's orchard; Emily lived close by.

Grown-up, almost thirty, Jake asks Emily to come back to their hometown to help him save his family's orchard after another company bought out a nearby orchard and plans to compete with it, driving the orchard's owners to sell. It has been four years since her family was killed in a plane crash, and she sold her family home and moved away. Coming back is not her plan, but she has never been able to tell Jake no.


Close proximity, along with Jake finally breaking up with his longtime girlfriend, leads him to feel more than friend feelings for Emily, but he doesn't know if she feels the same and doesn't want to risk their friendship.

These two were so cute even when they were still saying they were just friends, but we all see that they are not.

[Kaitlyn Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet second-chance romance! Amy Clipston created a charming small-town setting that completely drew me in. The way she describes the orchard makes it feel so cozy, beautiful, and nostalgic, you can’t help but wish you could visit it yourself. The romance was heartwarming, feel-good, and had me smiling the whole time. It’s the kind of story that will have you kicking your feet and rooting for the characters from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a cute, wholesome small-town romance filled with charm, this is definitely one to pick up!

Thank you to Amy Clipston and the publisher for this ALC!

[Holli D.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute small-town fall (clean) romance!
Best friends are reunited in their hometown and hatch up a plan to save the failing family orchard. But as they reminisce over all the good times they’ve shared, they are both secretly longing for more. They can’t picture life without the other, but it feels like it is never the right time to make a move.

Throw in all of the cozy autumn vibes with the apple orchard, fresh candy apples, chilly nights, and cider- and you have a perfect fall romance.

Despite a few hiccups and some sabotage along the way, this was a sweet friends to lovers romance.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio & NetGalley for the ALC.

[Savannah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston is a warm and heartwarming romance that perfectly captures the charm of autumn and small-town life. The story features likable characters, sweet family dynamics, and a romance that develops naturally, making it an enjoyable and comforting read. I especially appreciated the cozy seasonal atmosphere and the themes of forgiveness, second chances, and following your heart. Amy Clipston’s engaging writing style makes it easy to become invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, Candy Apple Kisses is a delightful feel-good novel that is perfect for readers who enjoy clean romance with plenty of heart and a cozy fall setting.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 🌟
I thought this book was really cute! Honestly, I could totally see Candy Apple Kisses being made into a Great American Family movie. 🍎🍂 I was loving it and enjoying the whole fall vibe until one little scene toward the end had me thinking, “Come on!” I wanted to smack Jake!
His parents were getting on my nerves at one point too, and don’t even get me started on Claire!
Overall, though, this was a cute, lighthearted fall read that definitely got me in the mood for all things autumn. 🍁🍎

[Rebecca Chaffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read. It's your classic friends to lovers with a conniving ex trying to destroy it all. I love the coziness of the apple orchard and the lake.

[Jennifer Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cozy,Heartwarming Read of Best Friends Jake and Emily set in Splendid Lake NC .A Quick Read that is as Sweet as its' Front Cover .

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet read. I listened as an ALC. I enjoyed the narrator. A very cute story about best friends, hallmark movie feels.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’d fallen in love with his best friend. How lucky was he? “Why didn’t I kiss you years ago?” he asked, his voice sounding husky. “Jake, I ask myself that question every day.”

Candy Apple Kisses is such a sweet, small town romance. Friends to lovers is always one of my favorite tropes and Amy Clipston always manages to write them so well. I loved the friendship and banter between Jake and Emily and how they’d been best friends since they were little kids. I loved Jake’s family and how Emily was basically part of the family already. I really enjoyed the fall vibes as they planned on how to save Jake’s family’s apple orchard. I could relate so much to Emily’s insecurities and loved seeing her growth. Really, I loved all the main characters except one. When you read the book, I’m sure you’ll know which I didn’t like. Also, all the characters were realistically flawed, which made them even more relatable. I could understand how Jake’s parents would feel hesitant to try new things but I do wish they had been able to trust that Jake had things under control sooner than they did. There were some spots where I did stress over how they’d be able to pull everything together but I truly enjoyed every moment of this story. I’m hoping we get more books in Splendid Lake.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book . It’s for all of us who grew up with the hallmark channel but also to bring a new set of readers . This is a best friends to more and u required love all tied up in a pretty bow. I loved their story . Sometimes the one you find first is the one you are meant to find and you save the best for last as the song says.
I loved them but I really despised Claire and she took mean girl to a whole new level and won’t take no for an answer.
Him and Claire dated for years but if things were meant than they would have tied the knot sooner but she won’t believe it’s over when he ends things .
He invites his bestie back home and they have instant chemistry and in a way where they fit like a glove and without the awkward spaces. They grew up together but then she left after losing her parents. .
They need to save his orchard to compete with the new guys in town. She supports him while Claire wanted him to find someone else to run it for him . Time is running out but what they really need is a prayer .


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

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston, Narrator: Brittany Goodwin
***
Thank you to Amy Clipston, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me access to an eARC for this book and an early review copy of the audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Emily’s best friend Jake has called her home to help him get his family’s orchard ready for its 100th anniversary. Emily has been in love with Jake her whole life. Jake has had a girlfriend for 14 years. (Yes, 14 years!) However, just recently he has decided to break it off because she (Claire) is wanting him to move with her to Nashville. He has decided he doesn’t love her anymore. Claire is not ready for the relationship to end. Emily has a tremendous plan to restore the old barn to host a fall market for the anniversary of the orchard. She must convince Jake’s dad who has recently recovered from a heart attack that this is a good plan. The neighboring apple orchard has sold out to big corporation, and they are doing everything they can to undermine Jake’s family’s business. Jake and Emily must work together to save this orchard, and Jake must decide who he wants to be with.
I did not completely hate this book, but I did not love it either. I did enjoy the setting. I loved the idea of the beautiful orchard in the fall. That part was well done. However, it was one of those books in which the characters drove me crazy- almost all of them. I jokingly said they made me want to knock some heads together. The main characters, nor most of the side characters had any common sense. I think Claire had mental issues – I don’t want to say more than that because of spoilers. Jake needed to man up, and Emily needed to realize her worth and start speaking up for herself. Even Jake’s parents kind of drove me nuts. His dad was continually belittling Jake, and his mom was all about him marrying Claire. Only Jake and Emily’s friends that helped with the barn renos seemed to have any sense. The writing was okay, because if a writer can make you dislike characters this much there is something to her writing. I would have liked to see some character growth in this book. The only character that really showed any sort of actual character growth was Jake’s father. This would have been a good book to showcase some faith elements, however, as we know most of the time we don’t see that in books from Thomas Nelson these days. In fact, this book spoke about them working on Sunday. While I understand that circumstances sometimes require this, I feel you could have at least added a mention of attending church. The ending was just okay for me. It was not spectacular.
If you like books with beautiful fall settings and activities, then you might enjoy this book, but if you frustrating characters bother you then maybe avoid this book.

This audiobook is well done. It was easy to listen to. The narrator smooth and her voice did not take me out of the story.

#CandyAppleKisses #NetGalley

[My Fairytale Days · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who love orchard romances, artist vibes, friends-to-lovers stories, close-knit families, and cosy late summer drifting into autumn.

This was such a lovely comfort read.

If you're expecting crunchy leaves and pumpkin spice from the very first chapter, this isn't quite that. Instead, it captures those last golden days of summer when people are still swimming in the lake, the orchards are heavy with apples, and you can feel autumn quietly waiting just around the corner. It's the perfect bridge between the two seasons.

What really won me over was the friendship. Emily and Jake have years of history behind them, and even when they're driving each other up the wall, there's never any doubt that they believe in one another. I loved Emily's passion for her artwork, Jake's determination to save his family's orchard, and spending time with the Hughes family. Those moments gave the story its heart.

The romance itself is wonderfully sweet. There's plenty of pining, longing glances, and several moments where I wanted to reach into the pages, sit them both down with a mug of apple cider, and say, "Would the pair of you please just talk to each other?" 😅 The lack of communication definitely tested my patience at times, especially when Jake chose to keep everything bottled up instead of saying what he really felt. I also found myself forgetting that these two were twenty-nine. Some of their reactions and misunderstandings felt much more like teenagers than adults nearing thirty, which pulled me out of the story now and then.

Even with those frustrations, I finished this book with a smile. It's warm, wholesome, full of family, friendship, creativity, and just enough romance to leave your heart feeling a little lighter. If you're looking for a cosy read to ease you from late summer into autumn, I'd happily recommend this one.

✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• A cosy late summer atmosphere that gently drifts into autumn.
• Emily's artwork, the family orchard, and the supportive friendships gave the story so much heart.
• A sweet closed-door romance built on years of friendship and quiet pining.

🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• The lack of communication became frustrating at times, especially Jake's tendency to avoid conflict.
• Emily and Jake are both twenty-nine, yet they occasionally reacted more like teenagers than adults.
• I would have loved a little more emotional honesty between them earlier in the story.

🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Brittany Goodwin delivers a clear and steady narration, and I couldn't fault the quality of her performance. For me, though, it took a while to settle into her style. At times it felt more like listening to someone read the story than fully stepping into it, and I found Jake's chapters a little harder to connect with because the narration remained very similar across both points of view. That said, I think this may simply be a matter of personal preference. I'd happily listen to another audiobook narrated by her, especially if it were a single-perspective story or one with dual narrators.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5

A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨

[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.