Under the Orchard's Spell

by Ann Adams

A woman reunites with her first love to the solve the mystery of the strange occurrences plaguing her family’s pear orchard—only to discover the land holds more magic than she thought—in this enchanting and cozy romance from the author of Racing Hearts.

Ali Reid has luck so bad she might actually be cursed. The pear orchard she inherited from her late uncle is drowning in debt, her fiancé and best friend have left her, and now, with picking season looming, she has no way to harvest all her fruit before it rots on the branch.

Desperate, Ali turns to Logan Wright—the town’s stoic carpenter, her first kiss, and the one she left behind. Now, fourteen years later, Logan agrees to move into her farmhouse to help, wearing plaid and a steady gaze, even though the land holds memories he's not keen to revisit.

As they work side by side, Ali’s feelings for Logan come rushing back, and the orchard’s troubles turn increasingly bizarre. Unnatural storms rage overhead. Jewel-toned rabbits take shelter in the barn. And, worst of all, the pears are crystallizing on their branches, like some kind of fairytale gone wrong. 

The deeper they dig into these mysteries, the more Ali and Logan begin to suspect the land actually does carry a curse, one that's persisted over generations and touches any visitor who lingers too long. And now, with the magic stirring once again, Ali must uncover the orchard’s secrets before she loses the one she loves all over again.

Genres: Romance, Autumn, Magical Realism, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Cozy

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

In a past life, Ann Adams was a junior national champion, national medalist, and resident of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York. She competed in sprint kayaking—a sport that’s a lot like rowing, except kayakers face the right direction and no one has ever heard of them. Today, she lives in Sacramento, California, where she spends most of her time analyzing public policy and going for moderate hikes with her husband and overly enthusiastic cockapoo. Mostly, though, she’s writing stories—especially those about women falling in love and finding their power.

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical AF. Loaded with gorgeous imagery. Heart-wrenchingly relatable complicated family dynamics. Fall vibes.

Side characters that make you dm the author all caps “GIVE MASON HIS OWN BOOK PLEAZE.” Exploration of grief.

10/10 would recommend.

Things to love…
- second chance romance
- magical realism
- found family
- spectacular side characters
- healing from loss
- exploration of grief
- Carpenter MMC
- complicated family dynamics


| IG | TikTok |

Thank you to the publisher & author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

[Laurensliterarylair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre-read thoughts:

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Racing Hearts by Ann Adams and it was one of my favorite reads of 2025. I can’t wait to dive into another book by this debut author! Fingers crossed I can get an ARC of Ripe for a Charm!

After reading:

Loved loved loved. This book was pure entertainment. I am discovering a love of magical contemporary romances because I ate this book up and have no notes. I just love Anns writing style, characters, and plots that just draw you in.

If you love Emily Henry’s emotional love stories with characters that are mature, relateable, and introspective then I know youll love Ann’s characters. If you love Sarah Beth Dursts books because of the way they are so beautifully crafted, compelling, comforting, and have the perfect balance of magic woven within the plot then you will love this book!

I love the mystery and the wondering what will happen next. I love that Ann is so detailed in the way that she describes even the smallest parts of her stories such as details within a book a character is reading or the smell of the air on the pear orchard. Each part of the story is so well crafted and shows how much research and heart went into writing the book.

Parts of this book truly made me emotional. The way that Ann spoke about magic and about the emotions or thoughts of the characters were just so beautifully written.

I will definitely read this again and don’t be surprised if you catch me non stop talking about it! Wow wow wow 🤩

Thank you so much to Dell and Ann Adams for the ARC!

[Demi Winters]

A cinnamon-spiced hug of a book that must be added to your fall reading list! When Ali's uncle passes away, she returns to the family's orchard and must uncover the mysteries--and potential curse--it holds. With a second chance romance, a sentient orchard, and a charming cast of characters, it's perfect for cozy romance readers!

[Hailsandtales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pre read:
I was able to get an ARC of Ann's first book Racing Hearts and fell in love with the way she writes and her stories. I am so lucky to have gotten an ARC of this book. I am so ready for the magic and story Ann has for us!

After Thoughts:
This book felt like a warm cinnamon hug with a splash of magic and mystery. 🍂✨

Ann does an amazing job of making you feel all the magic while reading. I adored how the story focuses on the orchard and how the trees and land feel everything, reacting directly to emotions.

The story starts off when Ali and Logan are teenagers. Fast-forward to the present...Ali comes back to the family orchard after her uncle passes away, only to discover deep mysteries, a possible curse, and her first love.

I adored how relatable both characters are. Logan has always put everyone else first and never got a chance to leave Apple Orchard, while Ali was moved around constantly and just wants to stay put. She is dealing with a whirlwind of emotions regarding her ex, the land acting up, her feelings for Logan, the mysteries about her uncle and the land, and her unresolved communication with her mom. They are truly all such relatable, real-life situations.

I laughed, smiled, and cried! Holy smokes. Ann knows exactly how to hit me right in the heart. I was in tears at so many moments because I truly felt everything Ali and Logan were going through, but mostly Ali, she became so strong and brave. It was powerful. It was beautiful to read.

Also, I need a Mason book... I loooove him!
I was utterly captivated by this story and highly recommend it to everyone.

Thank you to Ann and Dell for this ARC! 💛

💬 Qoutes
“When you care about something, you hold on to it. Even if it doesn’t work out in the end, you don't abandon what's important.”

“I promised myself I wouldn’t hurt you.”
“No amount of pain could erase what you’ve given me.” “What was that?” “The chance to feel safe enough to cry.”

“About how I lived a whole lifetime in darkness. Shades of gray were all I knew. I was so adjusted to it that I thought that’s just how life is. you are. Always.”

[Sara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can 100%, without a doubt say Ann Adams is not only an instant buy for me now, but she is in my Top 5 favorite authors of all time! I not only fell in love with this magical realism story, but my heart aches for these characters and I couldn’t put this book down. I read this in under 12 hours in a single day.

In this novel we follow Ali who was once a consultant in Florida but is now taking over her Uncle’s pear orchard after he passed. She’s loved this orchard since she was a kid, but from day one there have been issues. From crystallized pears, harsh hail storms, and technicolored bunnies, Ali can’t figure out what is going on and why this orchard is determined not to grow. Enter her first kiss and the-one-that-got-away Logan. He is determined to help Ali with the harvest and figure out how to cure this cursed orchard. But…Logan doesn’t have plans to stay in town. Will this supernatural orchard bring these two together?

This story, start to end, captivated me. I loved every moment because it was so unique. Yes, there is one cliche element (Blake and Liv) but everything else is original and completely Adams.

Ali is such a strong woman. The things she has been through, from moving around as a child, having those you trust most betray you, and an emotionally stunted mother…that’s hard and while some may say it only made her stronger, I say it made her more relatable and real. I saw her story, her journey, and I hurt for her.

Logan…what can I say about this perfect specimen of a man? He was perfect. He was truly Ali’s protector while also giving her the room to flourish and carve her own path in this strange situation. He always wanted to do what was right for Ali, but I loved how he did what was right for him at the end. There is a HEA but man did I ball my eyes out. It was a beautiful and crushing moment. I honestly had to stop reading and let myself have a good cry because their words of truth hit me deep and brought about some of my own insecurities and thoughts.

I want to include the Orchard as a character. Let’s be honest, the pear trees and all her critters were the star of the show. I loved the intricate butterflies that appeared before Ali and Logan’s first kiss as teenagers. The innocence of it. I loved watching those two chase yellow and green bunnies in the barn. I also loved how the trees had their own personality and will not be ignored. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

If you can tell I truly loved this novel. It’s been a long time since a book made me feel this much. I loved this authors first novel and was so hopeful this one would live up to it. Guys, this surpassed my expectations. I can’t wait to see what Ann Adams puts out next (no pressure).

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. Trust me, I’m brutally honest in all my reviews.

[Annie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR: Cozy, whimsical magical orchard mystery with strong found-family vibes and fun sleuthing, but the romance is underdeveloped and not as central as expected.

Ali inherits her family’s orchard, a place that’s been passed down for generations—but something about it is…off. Slightly magical, slightly wrong, and threatening this year’s pear crop. Teaming up with Logan, Ali sets out to figure out what’s going on before the orchard—and its legacy—slips away. As they work together, sparks start to fly… but are they actually headed in the same direction?

Ann Adams does it again with another charming, beautifully crafted story. While this one didn’t quite hook me in the same addictive way as her first, it still had me consistently turning pages.

The standout here is the vibe: wholesome, whimsical, found-family orchard magic. I was completely on board. Rainbow bunnies? Say less.

The romance, unfortunately, is where things fell a bit short for me. It’s not really the focal point of the story in the way I expected, and the pacing reflects that. While the moments of tension we do get are genuinely well done, they’re spaced too far apart to build real momentum. Because of that, I never fully felt the emotional pull between Ali and Logan, which is why this landed at 4 stars instead of 5.

That said, the mystery element was genuinely fun. I really enjoyed the sleuthing aspect and watching Ali and Logan work together to piece things together. And Adam’s prose continues to shine—it flows so naturally that it feels less like reading and more like experiencing the story in real time.

Overall, this is a fun, cozy, magical read with strong found-family elements. If that’s your thing, you’ll have a great time with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katherine Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Ann Adams. This was magical.

I loved the complex main character and love interest, the quirky supporting characters, as well as the family mystery and themes of family of origin, found family, environment and what (and who) constitutes “home.”

Looking forward to publication day in October 2026! Thanks to Dell and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review coming soon to TheDefiantCurtsy.com

[Anouk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic realism is something I hadn't really dipped my toes into until now, but I can definitely see the appeal - it felt so dreamy ✨ The idea of a magical pear orchard in a place called Apple Valley was brilliant, and following the characters on their journey to solve the mystery of the crystal pears was fun 🍐 The story explores themes like grief, growth, and the importance of following your dreams.

The prologue was so sweet, but around the 30% mark, I started to get bored and found it hard to bring myself to care. The slow pacing didn't help the experience either. I pushed through, though, and admittedly finished it fairly quickly.

Logan and Ali were cute, and there's nothing I love more than a second-chance romance 🤭 Still, I would've loved to see more depth to their relationship. It was more tell than show - they're supposed to be in love but I never quite believed it.

What I disliked the most, however, was that the Blake and Liv storyline stayed unresolved at the end 🍂 I mean, if my fiancé cheated on me with my best-friend, I don't think I'd ever be able to forgive either of them.

3.5 ⭐️ ARC Review

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley!

Fall vibes!!

I love Ali and Logan. This was such a sweet second chance love story with a touch of whimsy. I would have given the book 5 stars, however the beginning was a little too slow for me, but definitely worth pushing through because at 44% I could not put the book down. There was some spice, it was well written and only where it needed to be. Not spice just to have spice.
I definitely recommend this book for a nice cozy fall read.

[Erin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me set the scene for y'all, okay? I'm a botanist's daughter. Trees are basically my brothers and sisters. And second chance is my favorite romance trope. So this book? Basically made for me, okay.

UNDER THE ORCHARD'S SPELL is a quiet, emotionally poignant supernatural story about grief, identity, and what it costs us when we shutter the parts of ourselves that hurt.

After her uncle's death, Ali inherits the pear orchard that was the place she loved most as a child. When she returns, she finds the orchard struggling financially. A month into ownership, her fiancé and her best friend betray her (I hate them so much!), and everything gets worse. The crop is failing. Strange things are happening among the trees. Her aunt sprains her ankle. Ali needs help.

Enter Logan: the boy who was there the first time Ali encountered something magical in the orchard as a teenager—and someone carrying grief and hurt of his own.

At its heart, this book kept circling one question for me: What does it cost us when we stop allowing ourselves to feel what we need to feel?

For Ali, the answer might just be her family's orchard.

I don't want to spoil the beautiful way the supernatural elements tie into that question, but I cried watching Ali and Logan slowly find their way back to their own hearts. This isn't a story where grief is something to conquer. It's something that has to be felt. Healing takes time. Sometimes growth requires pruning. Sometimes holding onto what matters means accepting that it can't remain exactly as it was.

And all of that is woven through the natural world. The trees, blossoms, fruit, scorpion grass/forget-me-nots aren't simply a pretty backdrop. The orchard feels alive and, thematically, it is. Even the use of scorpion grass (which sounds gross) and forget-me-nots shows how this book uses flora as a metaphor for holding two truths at once—loss and love, grief and healing, letting go and holding on—and I love it.

I also really appreciated that the primary conflict isn't Ali and Logan hurting each other. Their love is gentle. They're both dealing with loss, old wounds, and questions about who they actually want to be, but they aren't constantly needling one another. There is a brief third-act separation, but this is fundamentally a story about two people learning to put themselves first and discovering that loving someone doesn't have to mean abandoning yourself.

And I have to shout out Mason, who was an absolute standout for me. Give me a cheeky, witty younger sibling every day of the week. Please and thank you.

Beautiful, atmospheric, tender, and quietly magical. UNDER THE ORCHARD'S SPELL understands that sometimes the things we love need to change in order to keep growing—and so do we.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ Brief Synopsis: Ali inherits the family orchard when her uncle passes away, the only place that ever felt like home to her. But she finds her fiancée and best friend together and things take a turn for the worse after that. She enlists the help of her teenage love, Logan, to harvest the pears for this season, but the orchard seems suddenly plagued by an odd affliction, causing them to begin digging into a past full of secrets to uncover the truth of the land that seems cursed. Including why Logan’s mother disappeared so many years ago.

📝 ARC Review: So there wasn’t anything wrong with this story, but it didn’t grip me until the last 4 or so chapters. It was just kinda meh 🫤 for me up until the ending. The MC’s were enjoyable enough but I never felt truly invested in their story for some reason. The magical oddities happening were intriguing but again, it never fully drew me in. Someone else might easily be hooked on this story though! I felt the writing itself was very good. The romance was sweet and deeply felt, but also a bit angsty since she was meant to stay and he planned to leave.

Fave Quote’s 👇

"When you care about something, you hold on to it. Even if it doesn't work out in the end, you don't abandon what's important."

"You should have the life that's right for you— the one you'd choose if you weren't carrying everyone else's weight. You said you wanted to know who you are when you're not cleaning up other people's messes."

Genre: Romance
POV: First Person; Single
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Release Date: October 6, 2026

Tropes 👇

- Long Chapters
- Magical Realism
- Second Chances
- Small Town
- Carpenter/Artist MMC
- Orchard owner FMC
- Inheriting a pear orchard
- Magical trees
- Investigating a possible curse on the land


CW’s 👇

- Relative passed away from cancer
- Disappearance of a parent
- Parental abandonment
- Broken Engagement
- Betrayed by best friend/fiancée
- Strained relationship with parent

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Manasuerooreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOODNESS, this book took me completely by surprise. I requested it purely to support a local author and I was totally blown away! This is such a cute lovely story with depth, longing, heat and magic. I 1000% agree with her editor that told her this book needed a little magic because it really pushed this book into something more than your standard fall romance.

The characters are oh so lovely the MMC is a total sad and stoic golden retriever in the best ways. The FMC is relatable, interesting and oh so lucky to have an orchard in the family because that is legit the dream. Even the minor characters are so fun, Val being maybe my favorite I love a grumpy gus every time, but Mason is a close second because I felt a kindred spirit to his unending earnest chaos and protectiveness for those he loves.

The spice isn't super graphic or long lasting but is still very present and of the open door variety. Normally spice being not descriptive bothers me as it usually comes off immature but I didn't mind it here the author really made it work it felt intimate and romantic in the best ways.

The writing in this book is truly prose filled with serene memories and it will have you traveling back to the loves of your youth, making me even more connected to this story and its characters. I feel as though we all have our own Logan in some way and It was a lovely visit into those memories and helped create easy visuals for the story.

This book will surprise you in 100 different little ways and I kinda love that it wasn't huge twists or revelations but a slow unraveling of life that felt natural, exciting, and fresh. I highly recommend this book its a super fun read with an interesting use of magic, lovely visuals, complicated family dynamics, heartbreak, love and growth. You will love your time on Apple Hill and I look forward to whatever Ann brings us next.

P.S.I hope the author knows locals will be picturing Apple Hill the entirety of this book whether she places it in Oregon or not hahaha.

[Rebecca Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the Arc!!

Ali inherits and returns to her family’s pear orchard after the death of her uncle with her boyfriend and best friend move with her. All is well until she finds them in a...comprising position and suspects it isn't the first time.

Ali grew up spending summers at her families orchard, oftentimes feeling like it was the only place of stability due to her mom moving them all over the place

Once alone on the orchard and with it under her care only, she starts to witness the land behaving in strange and unsettling ways. The farm, rich with generations of history, feels almost alive, filled with unusual creatures and subtle magic that threatens both the harvest and its legacy.

Logan, her first love, a summer romance from more than a decade ago and "the one that got away", moves onto the land to help with the upcoming harvest in exchange for room and board after fire destroys his house.

Together they begin piecing together both the mystery of the orchard and the unresolved parts of their past.
The setting stands out as something truly special, full of charm, whimsy, and a quiet sense of wonder that makes the orchard feel like a character in its own right.
Ali’s past, shaped by instability, betrayal, and a complicated relationship with her mother, gives her a depth that feels honest and relatable. Logan complements her well, offering support while still respecting her independence and growth. Their relationship is grounded in communication and mutual care. I don't necessarily love the "I'm leaving soon so we shouldn't...but maybe we can keep it casual" trope because it always ends in a very cliché way. It never stays casual and they can't keep their feelings in check.

I did love the aspect of magical realism. The orchard feels like it's its own character. Overall, it is a warm, cozy read centered on healing, family, and second chances, with a touch of enchantment that makes the journey feel both comforting and memorable.

Racing Hearts is in my top 5 books probably that I've ever read and I was so excited to read this follow up novel. Ann Adams has a big fan in me!

[Bobbie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that transport you to another world, and Under the Orchard Spell did something even more special for me—it brought me home.

The story is rooted in the pear orchard where I grew up, and because of that I may have a unique perspective. My daughter-in-law wrote this book, inspired by that orchard and by her own love for the beauty and magic of the place. Even knowing the real-life setting, I was amazed by how vividly she brought it to life on the page. Her descriptions are so rich and immersive that I think even someone who has never set foot in an orchard would come away captivated by its beauty and the unique rhythm of orchard life. The setting feels authentic, lived-in, and unforgettable.

I also loved the balance between realism and magical realism. The fantasy elements never overshadow the heart of the story—they enrich it. The technicolored butterflies, unusual bunny rabbits, and other whimsical creatures add wonder and delight while fitting naturally into the world she created.

The main character especially resonated with me. She carries deep grief and faces significant hardships, and those experiences shape both her choices and her journey in believable ways. She felt like a real person rather than simply a character on a page, and I appreciated the honesty and authenticity with which she was written.

What stayed with me most, though, was the book's message. It beautifully suggests that happiness, healing, and fulfillment aren't found by escaping disappointment and loneliness, but often because we've walked through them. That theme gave the story real emotional depth and made its hopeful ending all the more meaningful.

I absolutely loved this book. It's imaginative, heartfelt, and beautifully written—a story filled with both wonder and truth. Whether you're drawn to magical realism, love richly imagined settings, or simply enjoy stories about resilience and hope, I highly recommend Under the Orchard Spell.

[Elizabeth Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that Ann Adams' put out this year Racing Hearts is my favorite book I've read so far this year, so needless to say when I saw she's releasing another one, I needed to abandon everything else and read it right away.

Under The Orchard's Spell has a very unique and intriguing plot that captured me right from the jump. Ali becomes in possession of her family's pear farm where strange things start to happen, like multicolored bunnies popping up in the old barn and the pears crystalizing. She works to figure out what is going on with the cursed land through the help of people like her teenage boyfriend Logan that she'd stopped speaking to for 14 years and her aunt. With time she quickly manages to fall back in love with Logan while unraveling some of her family's history.

One of my favorite elements of this book was how much Ali and Logan worked to communicate with each other. They were open about their feelings, they shared what they'd gone through with their parental figures and they worked together to try to fit puzzle pieces together however they saw fit. They also respected each other's time and dreams and wanted the best for each other. It felt like a strong couple that I could actually believe working out in the long run.

I will say I actually wasn't too sure how well the magical realism elements were going to work for me at first, but by the end of the novel it felt like everything was tied together in a really satisfying and unexpected way that made me respect what she was trying to do with it all.

I think Ann Adams has officially become an auto buy author for me. Two absolute gems in a row.

Thank you to Ballantine/Dell and NetGalley for the ARC to honestly review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Orchard's Spell is the perfect magical realism, second chance romance for your autumnal TBR. Set in Oregon in a valley where typically only apple grow successfully, the Reid family farm stands out as the only pear orchard in town. Mystical things are happening on the orchard that Ali grew up on and has now inherited from her late uncle.

Layered with mystery and tinged with grief, Under the Orchard Spell follows Ali and her carpenter neighbor Logan as they work on preparing the farm for harvest, uncover some supernatural phenomenons and both fight the feelings they experience for one another in their youth.

The story really picked up for me after the 40% mark and especially once we started getting some of the supernatural animals beyond the crystalized pears. I wasn't sure how the story would unfold but I found it entertaining. The side characters in this story stand out - Logan's brother Mason and Ali's "aunt" Val.

I wish we had seen a bit of depth built up in Ali and Logan's past to present timeline, I felt like it lingered a bit under the surface. Ali is working through some friend/relationship stuff that impacts how she feels about love, which is why I think the relationship came across as a bit detached. I also wanted more closure from the Blake/Liv storyline. There definitely could have been more magical creatures! All said, I did enjoy the epilogue and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy, fall romance.

Tropes:
Second chance romance
Complicated family
Grief exploration
Following passions
Unexplainable magic

Thank you so much to the author Ann Adams and Dell Romance for an ARC exchange for my honest review. I am on Ann's street team for this novel.

[Tanja Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 4.25 stars

I officially have my first fall read under my belt, and it was a win. 🍂

Under the Orchard’s Spell blends magical realism, second-chance romance, grief, healing, mystery, and just enough supernatural intrigue to keep you wondering what secrets the orchard is hiding.

At the center of the story are Ali and Logan, two people shaped by complicated upbringings, difficult family dynamics, and the scars left behind by the people they loved. Their pasts have molded so much of who they are, and I loved watching them slowly find their way back to one another while also learning how to move forward.

Their romance is tender, gentle, and incredibly supportive. There is so much mutual pining, so many big emotions, and plenty of sweet moments woven throughout the heavier parts of the story.

And then there’s the orchard.

A pear orchard. A second chance at first love. Fruit turning into crystals. Animals changing into crazy colors. And a supposed curse that makes the people you love leave.

But is it really a curse?

I loved the mystery surrounding the orchard and the way the supernatural elements were woven into a story that is ultimately about grief, healing, starting over, and learning that your past does not have to determine what comes next.

And don’t let the cutesy cover fool you — this book has a lot of emotional depth. There are some genuinely heartbreaking moments here, balanced beautifully with warmth, tenderness, humor, and hope.

The writing is beautiful, and I ended up with so many beautiful quotes highlighted on my Kindle. There are lines that linger, moments that ache a little, and so much emotion tucked into the quieter parts of this story. There’s a softness and tenderness to it, but also an emotional weight that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

If you love magical realism, small-town romance, second chances, mutual pining, grief and healing, fall vibes, and even an only-one-bunk-bed moment, this is such a perfect addition to your fall TBR.

Under the Orchard’s Spell releases October 6, 2026.

Thank you to Ann Adams for the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautiful story!!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🍂 Jumping into fall romance season headfirst!!

The biggest thank you to Ann Adams & Dell Romance for the ARC of Under the Orchard's Spell!!

What you'll find inside:
🍐2nd chance romance
🍐magical realism
🍐cozy fall vibes
🍐mystery
🍐small town
🍐single POV

Following her uncle's death & inheriting his pear orchard, Ali makes the decision to move to Apple Valley to continue the family business. But when her engagement ends & she discovers just how much financial trouble her uncle left her in, Ali is desperate for help with the impending harvest. And available to help? None other than Logan Wright, Ali's first flame. When strange occurances start plaguing the orchard (technicolor bunnies? crystal pears?), they must find a way to stop the curse from wrecking the harvest, all while rediscovering feelings for each other.

🍂🍂🍂

I couldn't put this one down! I was desperate to know what the orchard's magical affliction was (& if they could find a cure)! The magic was sprinkled so perfectly & convincingly throughout the book, it made me want to go find a magical orchard myself. & I loved Ann's writing so much... it felt like a big warm hug on a crisp fall day.

There was so much to love about Logan & Ali's relationship! They genuinely wanted what was best for each other & supported each other's dreams, whether that be Logan getting out of Apple Valley or Ali running the pear orchard. Logan also made it possible for Ali to be vulnerable with him, after years of holding back her feelings due to her mom's dislike of emotion.

It was honestly the perfect balance of cozy meets mysterious. All my fall romance girlies need to pick this one up! Under the Orchard's Spell by Ann Adams releases on October 6th!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story filled with emotions we can all relate to—heartbreak, despair, hopelessness, and ultimately, a hard-earned happy ending that feels both satisfying and deeply deserved (without giving anything away, of course—most romance novels promise one, but few earn it this well).

I absolutely loved Ali as a protagonist. She’s resilient, determined, and impossible not to root for. Despite setback after setback, she keeps moving forward with strength and grit. Her struggles feel real and relatable: betrayal from those closest to her, the overwhelming responsibility of trying to keep her orchard afloat, and the emotional and financial pressure of fighting for a future that often seems out of reach.

And then there’s Logan. Logan. The dream man every romance reader hopes for—steady, dependable, compassionate, and always guiding things in the right direction without overshadowing Ali’s strength. Their dynamic felt genuine, supportive, and emotionally rewarding.

What truly elevated this book for me, though, was the fantasy element. The magical aspects were written with such vivid beauty and emotional depth that they felt immersive and enchanting rather than simply fantastical. The world carried a sense of wonder that lingered long after I finished reading.

I rarely cry while reading, but this book moved me to tears more than once—from heartbreaking moments of anguish to overwhelming tears of joy. I loved every word, every page, and especially the ending. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the final page.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥'𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 is Ann's sophomore contemporary romance - a heartfelt, beautifully penned novel with a sprinkle of magical realism that will linger in reader's minds after reading the final page.

Ali, fresh off a breakup and cross-country move, inherits her family's unusual pear orchard, nestled in Apple Valley with a reputation for bizarre weather and breathtaking creatures. Afraid to lose her beloved family farm to a stack of unpaid bills, she seeks the help of her first love, Logan, to harvest her unblemished crop.

While different from her debut sports romance, 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥'𝘴 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭 also portrays a wonderful story with strong characters overcoming childhood trauma and adult doubts and insecurities. I appreciated the communication between Ali and Logan, and I respected each of their real-world problems and realistic decisions. This is an emotional second-chance romance with tense chemistry and a magical, spellbinding backdrop. There's even a touch of mystery surrounding the suspected family curse, and I loved watching it unfold.

I completely lost track of time between the pages, and it's such a satisfying feeling I'm always hoping for when I select a new read! Ann Adams has such a talent for weaving a heartwarming, mature, and emotional romance, and I look forward to what she'll pen next - grocery lists included!

Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the advance reading copy!

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, whimsical, and spellbinding! A flannel wrapped romance with all the fall feels, depth, and a touch of magic. A must read for autumn!

Ali has inherited her uncle Martin's pear orchard, a place that she's always felt at home. But along with the land, she's also inherited the debt and hard work ahead for the picking season. Logan is down on his luck. After a devastating house fire, he needs a place to live. He's never left the small town of Apple Valley, and he dreams of traveling once he has the funds. So when housing in exchange for pear picking becomes an option, he takes it. Ali and Logan have a history from their shared time on the orchard as teenagers - is this a second chance at love? Or are their conflicting desires for the lives they dream of too difficult to move past? Add to that an orchard that seems to have a mind of its own, and these two have their hands full!

Oh what a sweet and spicy and cozy romance! I loved the orchard setting, and the tension between Ali and Logan just kept heating up along the way. The forced proximity and touch of mystery as they dig into the orchard's (and their own) pasts kept the story moving, and the magical elements add a fun surprise! I appreciated the maturity of Ali and Logan. They felt real and made realistic decisions as they dealt with each new situation - some silly, some more emotional. This would be the ideal book to add to your autumn TBR!

[Rhonda Woloshun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Orchard’s Spell is a light, cute read filled with family, loyalty, facing the past to build the future and of course, magic. Ali’s Uncle Martin’s journals had me laughing out loud more than once!

Ali’s love and care for her uncle’s pear orchard in and of itself is a love story. What a magical storyline that I personally would love to live! Ann Adams has such a beautiful way of weaving poetry into each chapter…about the trees, the wind, the scenery. This at times felt like reading poems she built a story around.

Logan’s reemergence in Ali’s life in such a dedicated fashion brought a smile to my face immediately. He’s such a typical swoony book boyfriend in all the best ways!

The interweaving of confronting family trauma and how it affected Ali and Logan both gave this story true depth. It gives an importance to the work they’re doing to try to rescue the orchard and in turn, their own selves. Adams beautifully puts words to the tentative feelings of wanting to move through and forward.

My only reasoning to this being a 4 star read (teetering on 3 to be honest but I did love so much of the writing) is the dialogue at times felt forced or perhaps even disingenuous. It was hard to put my finger on how to describe this but Logan, Mason (especially) just felt like the characters didn’t fit the lines.

Regardless, readers who want a magical tale of family, love and plenty of laughing out loud, this is a great fall read!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. Ali is running her family's pear orchard and is struggling. She is grieving the loss of her Uncle Martin, who had run the farm. She is also processing the end of her engagement to, Blake, and the betrayal of her friend, Liv. The farm is struggling financially and seems to be having strange problems with the fruit. Ali decides that she needs help with fruit picking and reconnects with Logan. Logan and Ali met as teenagers and had a brief moment of love. They more they work on the farm, more strange things occur leading Ali to suspect the land is cursed. As Ali and Logan begin to research the curse, they dive into their family's history, work through their past traumas, fall in love again, and bring the farm back to it former glory. I thought this was an engaging and heartwarming read. I loved how the story weaved together magical realism and romance to tell a poignant story full of emotional grit, heart, and healing. I really just liked the characters and their families. Both Ali and Logan had such big hearts and I liked seeing their growth as they worked on themselves, faced their traumas, begin to find their worth, and realize they deserve to have love. I think the pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but once the author found her voice, the story shined strong and had you rooting for the characters to get their HEA.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

4.5/5 stars 🌟

Second chance
Family secrets
Magical realism
Fall vibes

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!!

This was my first book by Ann Adam’s and it’s safe to say it will not be my last!! I looooved this book. It felt like a warm cozy hug. The setting reminded me of a magical stars hollow. It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone and people are there to lend a helping hand. It’s set on a pear orchard where the land is supernatural which causes some interesting things to happen. My favorite was by far the multicolored bunnies!!

The way Ann wrote Ali and Logan felt so organic and natural. Both characters felt grounded and so real. Both of them had unhealed trauma that, over the course of the book, they were able to heal with the help of one another. They both came back together so naturally after a hurtful past between the both of them when they were younger. The supporting characters were just as well written.

The only reason I didn’t rate 5 stars was because I wish Ali confronted Blake and Liv after seeing them at her gala. That story line felt unfinished. Logan got to get closure, but it felt like Ali did not get any on that end.

Overall, this is the perfect book for fall with the cozy, magical, small town vibes! I am excited to grab my own copy in October!

TW’s: grief, explicit sexual content

[Jessica Sattler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Orchard Spell was such a sweet, magical read. 🍐🌿✨

I absolutely loved the magical realism in this one, especially how seamlessly it was woven into the story. It never took away from the plot—instead, it made everything feel even more special and pulled me further into the world.

Ali inherits her family’s orchard after her uncle passes away. The orchard has always felt like home to her, especially after spending her childhood constantly moving, and reconnecting with her childhood friend, Logan, adds such a sweet second-chance romance to the story. 🥹💕

But more than anything, I think this book is about what can grow after grief. 🌱 Both Ali and Logan have experienced so much loss and loneliness, but they learn that the past doesn’t have to determine what comes next. Even after the hardest seasons, there is still the possibility of growing something beautiful. Sometimes healing means walking through it alone, and sometimes it means letting someone walk beside you—but either way, there is still hope if you’re willing to face it and move forward. 🤍

A cozy, heartfelt read with a little magic, a sweet romance, and an orchard I absolutely wanted to step into. ✨📖

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love magical realism, childhood friends-to-lovers, cozy settings, and stories about finding home, add this one to your TBR! 🍐🤍

Thank you to the Publisher for the ARC!

[Anna]

I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Ann's debut novel Racing Hearts, so I was thrilled to get an ARC of her sophomore novel as well.

This was such a different concept from Racing Hearts, but it worked so well for me. Much like her first book, I was pulled in by the charming meet-cute, but I stayed for a thousand other reasons. Ali was such a relatable FMC. And despite it being told from Ali's POV, we get to learn so much about Logan. We get introduced to people on both sides of their lives, which showcases Ali and Logan's distinct personalities outside of the romantic relationship. I always appreciate when authors make sure the leads do not get lost in one another. The communication between Ali and Logan was so open, and their conversations were always meaningful. It made their connection feel genuine, the romance something you could be fully invested in. The mystery of what is happening on the orchard was a bit predictable, but I still found it well done.

Bottom line: I loved this. I will probably recommend this cozy read to everyone when the fall vibes start rolling in later in the year. Add it to your TBR!

Thank you to Ballantine|Dell and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Beverly Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book.

Ali had spent memorable time on an orchard with her uncle Martin during her childhood summers. It was there that she met her first love but was ultimately taken away from what all that she loved best by her mother who wanted to escape from a life on the orchard. When Ali comes back to take over the orchard when her uncle dies and leaves it to her, she finds that not only is the orchard financially in trouble but there seems to be a "spell" on it that is causing the fruit to behave in strange ways. She learns that this is not the first time that the land seems to have a mind of its own which seemingly reacts to the owner's emotions. Her first love, Logan still lives in the town and agrees to help with the meager harvest while he is also dealing with family trauma. Together they try to find out the best way to manage the harvest to salvage what they can and to learn what the secret to the land is while their feelings for each other take on a second chance at romance. Ali also discovers many things about herself and her fractured relationship with her mother.

[Kristen McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Under the Orchard’s Spell by Ann Adams from NetGalley. I was SO excited for this one because Ann Adams first book was a 5 out of 5, no notes from me. This one fell a bit short for me for some reason. It was still good, don’t get me wrong. It’s very different from her first novel. I like all types of genres so this did not bother me.
One thing that felt off for me is the way her relationship with her bff and ex-fiancée was discussed throughout the first half. The main character often would discuss how she envisioned the future, just the three of them. It felt slightly polyamorous, which is fine if that’s what they’re into, but I don’t think it was in this situation.
Regardless, the descriptions of the pear farm were dreamy. I’ve never been to a pear farm but now I feel like I should. The scenery was described so deeply that you could tell that Ann Adams felt those scenes in her soul. Wonderful descriptive language.
Overall, 3.5-4 stars. Great job! Thank you for the ARC!

[Emmy Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5

A mystery spanning five generations. Rainbow bunnies. A hilarious skunk encounter. Spice. And a whole lot of heart.

Ann Adams’s sophomore novel absolutely did not disappoint. The mystery and family elements completely pulled me in, and Mason and Val were such delightful side characters. They made me feel even more connected to Ali and Logan as individuals outside of the romance.

I will say the romance took a bit of a backseat for me—but honestly, I wasn’t mad about it. As Ali worked to uncover the orchard’s secrets, I found myself swept up in the magic, the mystery, and all the layers of family history being unpacked. And did I mention the rainbow bunnies? Because they deserve to be mentioned twice.

Also, Logan’s emotional maturity? Incredible. And his conversation with “name redacted” had me cheering.

If Ann writes it, I’m reading it.

This was such a unique concept and story, and one of my most anticipated reads of 2026. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC—all opinions are my own.

[Vanessa Konopacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this was going to be a typical cozy story very much like a formulaic hallmark movie. A comforting but easy to read story that would be a usually 1+1=2 storyline. But I was surprised by the fact that it wasn’t. It was a beautiful story about growing up, even as an adult in age.. we often still have to grow up and face things from our past. Our main character is written so well and relatable. You understand what she’s going through and her confusion about some of the things going on with the orchard she’s loved since she was a child. Now that she’s inherited that orchard and the responsibility is hers to keep it going. Was a bit close to home at times with how scary adulting is and can be. But to see how she navigates her broken heart and possibility of new love as well as dealing with family and money issues, was well done. And we could all do with some rainbow rabbits in our life.