Something About September

by Julia McKay

A fall-inspired second-chance romance about a woman who returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s diner, only to discover the contractor she must hire was her high school crush.

Sweater weather is better together.

This September, Rebecca Macintosh is back in Bramley Hollow and she’s not sure how she feels about it. The newly crisp morning air and golden evening light that usually fill her with that delicious back-to-school sense of anticipation aren’t quelling her nerves. Because the last time she was in Bramley Hollow she and Cort Adams, her high school crush, had a nearly-almost moment that left her reeling.

She’s been summoned home by town-spirit tyrant, Mayor Crispin, and has thirty days to fix up her late grandmother’s diner or face the consequences. And the only contractor in town? Cort Adams. As the leaves start to fall, could a spark kindle bright enough that it might call Rebecca home?

Genres: Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME💗💗!!!!!!!!


🍂˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚☕️Buddy reading with my prettiest girl Cat💘👯 🍂˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚☕️!!!!!!!!!

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I need to start this by saying: this book wraps around you in the coziest way possible… like stepping into crisp air, leaves crunching under your boots, and something warm in your hands. The writing? Genuinely so immersive. There were moments I forgot I was reading because it felt like I was just… there. Sitting in that diner, watching everything unfold in real time. 😌

But ALSO… *deep sigh* this was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me… and not in the way I adore.

Rebecca and I had a rocky start. Like… I was trying, I really was. But the miscommunication?? The assumptions??? Girl 😭😭😭 I get that emotions were high and history was involved, but some of the heartache felt so avoidable that I found myself lowkey frustrated instead of fully invested at first. 🤦🏼‍♀️ It took me a while to settle into her perspective without wanting to shake her just a little.

Now Cort??? Completely different story. 😝

I loved him. The patience? The kindness? The fact that after everything—after she left, after the distance—he still showed up with so much care??? And then you add in the single dad element (which if yk me you know that’s my weakness)… yeah, he had me. Fully. 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

And something I don’t want to gloss over because it really stood out to me!! the friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina. 🫶🏼🤞🏼From the very beginning, it felt solid, supportive, and real. No weird tension, no unnecessary drama. Just two girlies who genuinely love and show up for each other. I ate that up. We need more of that energy. 😌👏🏼

The story itself had this soft thread of mystery woven through it that kept me curious, and the emotional core very much leaned into that “right person, wrong time” ache. There’s a lot of pining & Longing that stretches across time.

BUT (and this is where my feelings wobble again)…

The third act breakup.🧍🏼‍♀️
Yeah… it just didn’t land for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m picky with those to begin with, and this one didn’t feel strong enough to justify the emotional fallout it created. It pulled me out of the story a bit right when I wanted to be the most locked in.🫠🫠

And yet… despite my frustrations, I can’t deny that this was such a soft, comforting, feel-good fall read. The kind you pick up when you want something warm, a little angsty, a little sweet, and easy to sink into. 💛🧡

things to know about the book ↓

🍂 second chance
🍂 high school crush
🍂 single dad
🍂 cozy fall vibes
🍂 slow-burn pining
🍂 miscommunication
🍂 third act breakup
🍂 single POV (hers in 3rd person)

spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes

The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Putnam & Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

-•-I had the bestest time reading with my beautiful bestie girl Cara 😍😘 Can’t wait for our next buddy read cutie!!-•-

⸻⸻⸻

・❥・⁀➷ pre-read

so excited to start this one! the cover is so pretty!!

Buddy reading with beautiful Cara 💗🫶🏼

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca is an adjunct professor at a university in Toronto, she escaped to thr big city right after high school wanting to get away from her small town (although it bothers me when authors refer to a town of 10,000 people as small when I grew up in one with 300, but OK rant over) - her grandma who had run the town diner had passed away a year prior and she went home for the services, left and hasn't been back, (her mother had passed away when she was an infant, she had not known her father so she was eft alone) she then gets a letter from the mayor that the diner is in disrepair and needs to be brought up to code in 30 days or incur more fines- so she has no choice she sublets her apartment and heads on home, luckily her best friend Sabrina is there and waiting for her, she tells her her plan is to get thr building to code put it up for sale amd hightail it back to the city- sound simple enough right, while discussing her plans that first night back was sabrina, they discuss having to hire a contractor to fix the building and get it ready for showing- it should simple since their is only one contractor in town Cort- Sabrina doesn't think it'll be an issue. Because Rebecca and Cort were friends in high school. She actually tutored him through English. So he could keep his spot on the football team.- it's then that Rebecca tells Sabrina that the reason she left town. S o suddenly, after her grandmother's funeral and they all went for drink after Sabrina's left is that Rebecca shot her shot with Cort that night and things didn't go well, so she went back to the city amd didnt come back- desperate to find any other contractor there was no luck.She has no choice but to hire Cort - (Cort has been divorced from his high s hool girlfriend for over a year now and is the father to a 7 year old) - they start spending more time together working on the diner project and get closer and start a relationship- there are various obstacles in their way - his ex ,her fears, we're, we're, we're we're mechanism, no what she wants. If she wants to go back to the city that she is always wanted to be a part of or if she wants to stay in her hometown - meanwhile, sabrina has some own issues that she hasn't shared with rebecca.That also factor into what her decision will be - i don't want to give away too much. But if you enjoy a good Ram com you like books about fall, you enjoy the second chance trope. you will like this book- i feel like the author tied it up really well with Rebecca's story (the stuff with her mom was well written) the secondary cast of characters was fun. Also, there were some quirkyness that if you're from a small town, you definitely get and understand I hope that we would get a book two that would go into Sabrina story a little bit more in what's next for Sabrina. And hopefully bring her some love or whatever she wants. I would really like more of her character.

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Julia McKay for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I read The Holiday Honeymoon Switch last year and absolutely adored the writing style and story being told, so I was sadly disappointed when this book did not live up to those expectations. We meet Rebecca and Cort as our two love interests--where after a "mistake" on Rebecca's grandma's funeral night, leads to her moving out of the small town to Toronto, achieving her goal of being a professor but running away from the past. When she is notified she has to come back to town to take over her grandmother's diner that is in disrepair, she has to come back to the town and face her fears and unanswered questions from years ago.

HERE COME SPOILERS! LOOK AWAY IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANY!

What ensues is an endless back and forth of miscommunication, grown adults unable to communicate their feelings, whole conversations left unsaid and a disappointing third act break-up. I liked both Rebecca and Cort individually, but I could not standdddd them together. Cort was patient, I will give him that, but I hate the fact that him choosing to "play it safe" or "settle" was ending up married to Melanie and then having a son, Pip. While they divorced on mutual terms, it honestly feels to me like a slap in the face for Melanie, which is even brought up at the bar in the back half of the book, where she confides in Rebecca that she knew Cort liked her.

There are some small inconsistencies in the story as well; one being when Cort said Pip and him got the sourdough starter a year ago but shared their bread making with Lenore, despite Lenore being passed for at least a year. While it's small, inconsistencies like that really pull me out of the book. I felt the third act break-up was there to add more length to the book, as the characters were literally unable to face their feelings until the last page. And trust me, I get that! But that just isn't the book for me.

I really do enjoy this authors writing style and have had some of her other books on my TBR for a while. If you are looking for a quick, turn your brain off read, this is a great book for an Autumn night. I can't see myself revisiting this book anytime soon.

[bells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75⭐️


Any book with an autumn-esque atmosphere immediately gets my attention. The crisp air. The small-town charm. The endless mentions of apple pies (yum!).

We follow Rebecca as she slowly tries to piece herself back together and figure out who she actually wants to be. There’s also this lingering mystery surrounding her parents that unfolds along the way. The whole journey flows nicely and has some genuinely heartfelt moments.

But for some reason, it didn’t fully pull me in. And that’s the frustrating part. Because yes, it was emotional. But I didn’t feel completely immersed in it the way I wanted to. It was touching, just not deeply consuming, if that makes sense.

Rebecca and Cort’s romance was actually pretty cute and swoony. And it definitely improves once the misunderstanding from their high school years finally gets cleared up. Watching that tension slowly unravel was satisfying. Was it heart-fluttering, butterflies-rioting kind of romance? Not exactly. But it was still charming and easy to root for.

Also, the dummy twist that gets mentioned early in the book was actually a fun little surprise. At first I thought the author was being a bit too obvious about it. And then suddenly the story pulled the rug out from under me.

Pacing-wise, the book starts off pretty strong and moves quickly in the beginning. But somewhere around the middle, things slow down a bit. Personally, I think I just wanted a little more depth in certain parts of the story. A few more details. A little more exploration of the emotional layers.

The foundation of this book is really nice. It just needed a little more polishing to fully shine. Still a cozy, emotional read though.


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Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this amazing eARC!

⭐️🍂 5 Star Review 🍂⭐️

This was such a cozy, heartfelt, and emotional read that completely wrapped me up in its charm.

After a year of grieving her grandmother’s passing, Rebecca returns to her small hometown with the intention of restoring her family cafe only to sell it and move on. But being back stirs something deeper. Rebecca begins to realize she’s been feeling lost uncertain of what her next chapter in life is supposed to be.

As she reconnects with her childhood best friend and her sweet, lingering childhood crush (Colt) who helps her bring the cafe back to life, Rebecca starts to rediscover pieces of herself she didn’t even realize were missing. What begins as a temporary return home slowly turns into something much more meaningful.

This story beautifully highlights second chances, self discovery, and the courage it takes to follow your heart. I loved how Rebecca’s journey wasn’t just about romance, but also about reconnecting with her roots and learning more about her mother, hearing new stories about her grandmother, and finding herself through the memories shared by the people in her town.

The small town setting, the cozy fall vibes, and the emotional depth made this the perfect autumn read. It’s soft, nostalgic, and filled with so much heart.

I truly fell in love with this story. If you’re looking for a sweet, emotional book about finding yourself, healing, and choosing the life that feels right then this one is definitely worth picking up. 🍁🧡

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but this book cover?? It is PURE fall vibes in the best way. Like give me a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and a small-town diner and I’m happy. It's raining today and this has been perfect prepping for fall!

I read and loved the Holiday Honeymoon switch so I was so honored to get an ARC for Julia McKay's new vibes RomCom!
The whole story just feels like coming home—crisp air, golden light, sweater weather energy everywhere. I loved the cozy, homey feeling so much, and the hometown diner renovation just made it even better.

And the romance?? I’m not usually such a sucker for second-chance/high school crush situations but this delivered.
Rebecca and Cort have that awkward, history-filled, “wait… is this still something??” energy that is SO fun to read. You can feel the tension and the sweetness at the same time, and I was absolutely rooting for them the whole way through.

It’s not a full five stars for me only because I wanted just a little more emotional depth in a few spots—but honestly I still had such a good time reading this. I received this as an eARC from NetGalley (thank you!!), and it comes out August 18th, which is honestly perfect because it’ll get you instantly ready for fall 🍂✨
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Embroidery Book Patch Ideas: Construction hat, fall leaves, diner sign
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Synopsis in the comments
Sexuality: Yes
Profanity: Yes
Violence: No
Trigger Warnings:

#juliamckay #somethingaboutseptember #netgalley #arc #arcreader

[tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐

i’m such a fan of small town romances and this book is exactly what i look for in one. i felt so connected to the people in this town like while the weather might be cold, the community itself feels incredibly warm.

i really loved rebecca. for some reason, she felt very relatable to me… i could feel her grief, her confusion, and that strong desire to chase something more in life. and sabrina!!! i love her so much. their dream of building something together was honestly so exciting to read about. their friendship meant a lot to me, and i’m so glad rebecca had someone like sabrina by her side.

and evie and lenore… they definitely have a special place in my heart. honestly, all these women and their little families just stayed with me.

i also really liked cort. he felt like such a good father, and i loved seeing the bond between him and his son.

the pacing from the beginning to the middle was slow, but in a very enjoyable way. however, the last few chapters felt a bit rushed to me, especially when it came to cort and becca, and that’s why my rating ended up where it is.

but overall, i really loved bramley hollow. this was such a cozy, warm, slightly nostalgic, and sweet read. i had such a great time reading it.

thank you so much to julia and putnam for the arc! i’m so happy i got to read this💛

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read small town romances before, but this one was a bit juvenile to me. While the whole romance began as high school seniors, it felt like Rebecca was still a high school senior for 80% of the book. Couldn’t connect with her or get past all the assumptions and running away constantly.

The story gave reversed Gilmore Girls vibes, I mean it’s called Bramley Hollow (Stars Hollow…) with a famous festival, an uptight mayor and small town “we decorate seasonally” vibes. And don’t get me wrong - big Gilmore girls gal - but this just didn’t hit all the notes.

I wish there had been more tension/slow burn with Cort, a little more mature romance (the intimacy scenes felt very repetitive and juvenile), and honestly some of the resolution in the story felt a little too easy. When the “heartbreak” happens, it got resolved so fast that it didn’t feel like heartbreak.

The story picks up really like 75% of the way into the book when Rebecca finally started to act like a 29 year old and face her problems (her father, her career, etc), and wrapped up in a fairly predictable yet cozy way.

While it was a good story concept, it didn’t quite feel original and I wish there was more tension and depth to the story.

[R Mmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although we’re heading into summer, I couldn’t resist diving into this cozy, fall-themed read—and I’m so glad I did.

The story follows Rebecca as she returns home a year after the loss of her grandmother, the woman who raised her. Taking a leave from her job, she plans to fix up the family café and sell it, keeping things practical and temporary. But as she spends more time back in town, old memories begin to resurface—high school days, her longtime crush Cort, and the comfort of being with her best friend.

What starts as a quick visit slowly turns into something more meaningful. Rebecca finds herself questioning the life she built away from home and wondering if maybe she left behind more than she realized. There’s a gentle, nostalgic feel throughout the story that really captures that pull between moving forward and holding on.

This was a warm, reflective read about grief, healing, and rediscovering where you truly belong. Perfect for anyone who loves small-town settings and second chances—with just enough autumn atmosphere to make you crave crisp air and cozy afternoons.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[DomsLitCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Something About September gave me all the major Gilmore Girls vibes. It is basically a warm hug in book form.

The story follows Rebecca heading back to her hometown to fix up her late grandma's diner in preparation to sell it. For the past year, she’s avoided going home for more reasons than one. Being back means she has to finally deal with grief of her grandmother’s passing and some unresolved feelings associated with a man she thought she was over.

At its core, this book is all about self-discovery, second chances, and having the courage to walk away from things (and people) that just aren’t right for you anymore. Honestly, it was a nice reminder that starting over, even when it’s scary, is completely okay.

If you’re in the mood for an emotional, cozy small-town romance with lovable characters and strong found-family vibes, definitely give this one a try!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advanced reader copy of Something About September (publishing August 18, 2026).

[Alyssa Knappenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute fall read! The descriptions of Bramley Hollow and the Autumn Festival made me miss fall and wish that we could skip spring and summer and go right back to it being fall. This book takes place in Bramley Hollow, a small town in Canada. It follows Rebecca, who lives in Totonto now. She makes a trip to her small hometown to fix up her grandmother's diner to sell, since it's been a year since she had passed. Cort, her childhood crush, is the only carpenter in town. She and Cort had an awkward moment after her grandmother's funeral (she kissed him and he pulled away), so she reluctantly asks for his help with the repairs.

I loved their chemistry! Cort was such a great MMC. I also loved the side characters in this book, like Sabrina and her parents. If you like small town romances that include the single dad and second chance romance tropes, this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Shanna Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🍁small town romance
🍁 grief/healing
🍁second chance at life
🍁high school crush


This book makes you want to grab a cozy blanket, a warm drink and curl up next to a fire🔥


Rebecca was raised by her grandmother in an idealic small town. Her grandmother owned the only cafe in town and was loved by all.

In high school Rebecca had the biggest crush on Cort, the boy she tutored. Her love went unrequited as he had a girlfriend.

Rebecca’s grandmother died a year ago and after the funeral Rebecca tried to kiss Cort. He turned her down and she was mortified.

Fast forward a year and she must return home to fix up the cafe to sell. Of course the only contractor in town is Cort, the sexy single dad.

I ate up the slow burn love story but the was the book dealt with grief and healing was my favorite part.

The book felt like a warm hug.

[Kelsey Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia McKay's books are always like a warm hug! This is no different and will be the perfect cozy fall read. This book is about Rebecca, a young woman returning to her hometown to get her late grandmother's diner and apartment ready to sell. In order to do this, she must get Cort(town heart throb and her old crush) to help her as he is the only contractor in town. Rebecca isn't really happy with her current life in the city and she must decide what she should do next!

I really enjoyed this book! There are fall vibes, second chances, a sweet little boy and a giant pumpkin! Cort and Rebecca's chemistry is so genuine and endearing. This book will also make you want apple anything! Read this with an apple treat or cocktail of your choice. Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC! I highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jaici Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t think I was ready for a fall read yet when it’s barely spring but it turns out if that’s your favorite season you can read about it year round and still get all the cozy feels. I loved that this story had all I look for in a small town romance, it was second chance romance, single dad, and she returns to her home town is searching for a change in her current life while also searching for signs of her mother and grandmother in the town to unravels some mysteries to help her better understand herself. It was so sweet and fun with also having serious topics that could get you in your feels. I think the only thing that would have helped me connect a little more with the characters was if it had been in first person instead of third but it was still great. Perfect fall read for lovers of this category. Thank you NetGalley for this arc read, hoping to see it everywhere this fall.

[Christina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did such an incredible job detailing everything Rebecca was going through; I honestly felt every bit of her emotional journey right along with her. Plus, the mystery surrounding her parents kept me hooked, even when the middle of the book started to drag a little bit.
​The way she finally discovers who she truly is was just so sweet. And the picture of the light on in the window, my heart!
My only real "complaint" is a total mystery of its own: how is every single person in this book not 500 pounds? The descriptions of the apple desserts were so constant and vivid that I literally had to run out and get an apple fritter because the cravings were out of control. It’s a really cozy, fall themed read, just maybe keep some apple themed pastries close by.

[Tiffani Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a pleasant surprise for me and I'm grateful to Putnam and NetGalley for giving me this ARC!

I don't prefer this POV, but this is the first book written this way that I absolutely loved! A cozy, fall adventure to a small town that'll warm any heart. Honestly, the dedication is what really got me hooked. I love Rebecca's relationship with Lenore and Sabrina, and the character arc's of Melanie and Heather was a big perk to me. The real gem in his story was the level of yearning on Cort's part. Without spoiling anything, I honestly believe the the picture of her pregnant mother and the epilogue were my favorite heartwarming parts. This will be a must read for everyone upon release and anyone loving Fall like I do.

[Robin’s Nest of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story. I finished this book in one day. It was such an enjoyable story with very likeable characters. This book is a cozy romance with a little bit of spice. Rebecca goes back to her small town after the loss of her grandmother. She has been living in the city with dreams after earning her PhD and teaching at a University. Once back in her hometown, she starts spending time again with her best friend and her former crush. Her crush, now a divorced single dad, Cort is still as Rebecca remembers him. This ultimately is a friends to lovers story that is simply sweet and comfortable and brings a smile to your face as you read it.

[Kim L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one way more than I expected. it’s got all the cozy fall vibes, second chances, small town charms.

Rebecca felt so real, especially with her feeling stuck and unsure about what she wants next. Watching her come back home, reconnect with her best friend, and slowly find herself again was honestly really emotional in a quiet way. The chemistry between Cort and Rebecca felt so natural and easy, and I loved seeing their relationship grow while he helped fix up her late grandmother’s diner.

Overall, it’s a cozy, nostalgic, heartfelt read about healing, second chances, and figuring out what kind of life you actually want. Definitely perfect for fall.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC of the book. (pub. date: Aug. 18th 2026)

[Sabrina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The perfect cozy fall read to curl up with under a blanket. 🍂

Rebecca returns home to restore her late grandmother’s diner, where she reconnects with Cort—the town’s most dependable contractor… and the boy she once secretly loved.

Small Town Cozy Romance
✨ Second Chance
✨ Forced Proximity

I knew by chapter 3 that this was going to be a 5-star read for me.

Warm, cozy, and beautifully atmospheric—Julie McKay makes you feel like you’re inside the story.
I loved every cozy fall moment of this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.

🍁 Highly recommend for anyone craving a soft, feel-good autumn romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julie McKay, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerry Glynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the sweetest, coziest book I’ve read this year! This book really makes you feel the words “you can go home again”. Rebecca coming home to unfinished business and realizing she is where she is meant to be had me smiling and going “awwww” throughout this entire book. The swooning I felt in her moments with Cort were simply delish. I’m so glad I received this book to read early because it did not disappoint! I would easily recommend this book to friend and fellow readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Publishing for the eARC of this book.

[Christin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute! It was Gilmore Girls town meets Hallmark movie. Very little spice in this one, but it works! A lot of times throughout this book there were corny, almost sickeningly sweet moments between all the characters. I hated that Becca’s birth father got tossed in and then nothing happened with that. That would’ve made this book more interesting. Overall thought this was a great pallet cleanser book. A quick, easy read. I’d give it a 3.5 if we had that option.
**Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC**

[TD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

This book was so cute and I'm so glad I picked it up. As a romance fan and a fan of cozy fall, this book cover immediately drew me in. This was such a heartwarming, cozy read and I had a great time reading. Just totally adorable and wholesome and it was exactly what I needed after a stressful work week. I will definitely be picking up more books from this author

[JennyS · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it fell flat. I was craving that Stars Hollow small town wit and charm, but the characters were lackluster, the plot was far too slow and uneventful, and writing style honestly felt immature. I struggled to finish the book, finding it more "nothing about September" that I usually love as a fall girly. Would not recommend

[Shanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a cute book in the end🥹 but the slow burn and miscommunication for the first half of the book wasn’t my favorite. The message from her mom brought tears to my eyes and the message in the end hit home so much. This is a great small town Autumn read. I just wish the first half moved a little quicker.

[Randa Burky · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley



I love a small town romance with a good eight people wrong time storyline. This book is a great reminder that it is important to be true to yourself, but also it’s never too late to be who you want to be. This is a great cozy fall read for a good Hallmark lover.