A Fall to Remember

Half Moon Bay #1

by Ellie Alexander

If you love cozy small-town settings, swoon-worthy autumn vibes, second-chance romance, and The Gilmore Girls, pour yourself a pumpkin spice latte, and curl up with A Fall to Remember.

Miranda Brown never meant to become famous. She just wanted a quiet vacation―a rare break from running The Green Grocer, the cozy market that's been the heart of Half Moon Bay, California, for three generations. But when her spectacularly terrible travel photos go viral, Miranda becomes an unlikely internet sensation.

Now a major travel company wants her to cover her hometown's beloved Fall Harvest Festival, sending the charming (and undeniably handsome) Jim Cole to help capture her authentic, imperfect magic on camera.

As golden leaves fall and the scent of apple cider fills the air, Miranda finds that being yourself is harder than it looks―especially when she's falling for Jim. But when she learns his job depends on this campaign's success, she must decide: are his feelings real, or is she just part of his marketing plan?

A cozy, heartwarming romance that celebrates second chances and finding love when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Julia Olivia and Misty Wilson.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Cozy

272 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...

Reviews

[Jenn]

DNF. I like this author's mysteries, but this one isn't working for me. There are too many POVs and the writing is meh.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever have an unexpected encounter at an airport? Miranda Brown's rare getaway to Catalina Island is over, and now it's time for her to return home and resume work at the family-owned boutique grocery store and deli in Half Moon Bay. The Green Grocer, a cherished family business for three generations, is now run by Miranda, her son Pete, and her niece. Instead of discussing her trip or catching up on store happenings, Pete and her niece can't wait to reveal that Miranda's travel photos have become a viral meme, making her an unexpected internet sensation. What unfolds next is a whirlwind of surprises that none of them could have predicted.

The story unfolds through the distinct perspectives of Miranda, Pete, Jim, and Shelby. Each chapter is clearly labeled by POV, allowing readers to experience the unfolding events and emotions through each character's unique lens. This approach creates seamless, immersive storytelling that draws you deeper into their world.

Ellie Alexander's writing shines with vibrant, evocative descriptions that effortlessly transport you to Half Moon Bay. The settings come alive in vivid color and detail, while the characters are crafted with remarkable depth—each shaped by their unique backgrounds, personal struggles, and hopes. As you turn the pages, it feels as if you're stepping into a cinematic autumn, surrounded by all the sights, scents, and emotions the season brings. The narrative invites you to reflect on your own connections to the characters' journeys and imagine what you might do in their place. Relationships—whether between mother and son, aunt and niece, cousins, coworkers, or project teammates—are explored in a way that feels both real and heartfelt, making the story's emotional core truly resonate.

This novel exceeded every expectation in the most delightful way. If I could give it more than five stars, I would—it's that magical. Don't hesitate to add this book to your tbr list; it's a story you won't want to miss.

I also highly recommend reading the author's Dedication, and if you want even more insight into the inspiration behind this charming story, don't miss A Letter From the Author. Both provide a wonderful glimpse into the heart and creativity that went into this novel.

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Mary]

Thank you storm publishing for the gift of reading this book.

The premise was very intriguing which promised a cozy read for autumn vibes. Small town read. However when the chapter moved to the son’s POV, it left me confused. Then the next chapter was the other MMC, ok, I knew it was going to be that guy, but then the very next chapter was different female POV.

It just seemed there was too much crammed in to the beginning 4 chapters and was not interesting enough to keep me reading.

Also, as someone who is in the exact age bracket of the mother, she is painted in such an older golden girls age vibe that I’m mildly offended.

[Winona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing, NetGalley and author Ellie Alexander for this eARC

If I’d have to sum up A Fall to Remember in one word, it would be “charming”.

The cozy, small town setting that kinda gives off some major Stars Hollow vibes, our adorable MC Miranda, the walking green flag that is our love interest Jim and Mirandas very sweet but shy son Pete. Shelby was the only character I didn’t really vibe with, but there were few enough chapters from her POV, that it did not impact my experience too much.
Which kind leads me to my one real critique of this book - at just under 300 pages, 4 POVs and two love stories was a bit too much. I wish the book had either been longer or that we got a separate book for each couple. At some points it felt a bit rushed as we only got to spend so little time in each characters POV.
Nonetheless a cozy, charming, cute read perfect for fall!

[Simone | simonesbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ Rating: 3 Stars.

✨ The Vibe
A cozy, autumn-filled small-town romance brimming with pumpkin spice, harvest festivals, family, second chances, and enough fall charm to make you want to wrap yourself in a blanket with a warm drink.

📚 What the Book Is About (No Spoilers)
When Miranda Brown's hilariously disastrous vacation photos unexpectedly go viral, she's offered the chance to showcase her hometown's beloved Fall Harvest Festival through a travel campaign.

Working alongside photographer Jim Cole, Miranda finds herself rediscovering not only the magic of her small town but also the possibility of opening her heart again. Meanwhile, other members of the community are navigating changes of their own, making this a story about family, finding love again, and finding your place when life doesn't quite go according to plan.

🖤 My Reading Experience
This was such a cozy, feel-good fall read. If you're looking for crisp autumn air, pumpkin spice, charming small-town traditions, and food descriptions that will immediately make you hungry, this book absolutely delivers.

I loved wandering through the Green Grocer, visiting the Fall Harvest Festival, and soaking up all the seasonal atmosphere. Ellie Alexander really knows how to make a fictional town feel warm and welcoming.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the relationship between Miranda and her son, Pete. Their bond felt genuine, supportive, and full of love, and I found myself just as invested in their family dynamic as I was in the romance itself.

The humor was another highlight. The puns sprinkled throughout the story genuinely made me smile, and they added so much charm to the overall reading experience.

Overall, this was an easy book to fly through. It's comforting, wholesome, and exactly the kind of story that pairs perfectly with a cozy afternoon and your favorite fall drink.

💭 What Didn't Fully Work for Me
The biggest thing that didn't quite work for me was the structure of the story. The book rotates between four different points of view, and while I eventually got used to it, I personally found it a little overwhelming.

I tend to prefer one or two perspectives because it allows me to become more invested in the central storyline. Here, I occasionally found myself needing a moment to remember whose perspective I was reading. I also think trying to tell two romances at the same time meant that neither one received quite as much attention as it deserved.

Personally, I would've loved even more time with Miranda and Jim. Their relationship felt unique and refreshing, and I found myself wanting the story to spend more time developing their romance instead of splitting the focus elsewhere.

Shelby's storyline, in particular, didn't fully click for me. It was clear she was carrying a lot of stress and pressure, so I understood why she behaved the way she did at times, but I never felt we explored those struggles deeply enough. As a result, she often came across as unlikeable rather than someone I could truly empathize with. I actually think her story has a lot of potential, but I almost wonder whether it would've been stronger if it had been saved for a future installment instead of trying to share the spotlight here.

One final thing—and this is purely personal preference—I hadn't realized going in that the primary romance followed characters in their fifties. I actually think it's wonderful to see more romances featuring older main characters because love stories don't end at thirty, but I also realized that I personally connect more with romances featuring characters closer to my own age. That's entirely a me thing rather than something the book does wrong.

🔥 Tropes & Elements
- Small-town romance
- Cozy fall vibes
- Family relationships
- Multiple POVs

🫶 Final Thoughts
A Fall to Remember is exactly what the title promises: warm, comforting, and filled with everything you could want from an autumn romance.

While I would've preferred fewer points of view and a stronger focus on Miranda and Jim's relationship, I still genuinely enjoyed my time in Half Moon Bay. The cozy atmosphere, lovable community, delicious food descriptions, and beautiful fall setting made this such an easy and enjoyable read.

It may not have been the most unique or emotionally memorable romance I've read, but it was charming, comforting, and perfect for getting into the autumn mood.

📖 Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Kailey Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover was the first thing that caught my attention, immediately drawing me into the promise of a cozy small town in autumn with an adorable shop owner.

Miranda is in her late forties and becomes an unexpected travel influencer after going on a solo vacation and posting a series of authentic mom content that goes viral. Jim works for a large travel marketing company and travels to Miranda’s hometown to feature both her and her business during the town's Harvest Festival.

The strongest part of this book was definitely the atmosphere, giving those cozy feel good vibes we look for during the fall season. The author did really well setting each of the small town events and describing the locations in great detail. It truly felt like you were there.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how much I enjoyed the perspective of Miranda’s son, Pete, and Shelby, another marketing manager who accompanies Jim. I found their storyline more relatable and engaging than the main romance. Pete’s venture into social media alongside Shelby, focusing on his own search for love, was a charming storyline and I found myself wishing the book spent more time exploring their relationship. I also found it interesting that they weren’t mentioned in the synopsis when their story was heavily involved in the book.

Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. The age of the FMC and her consistently mentioning her lack of social media or technology awareness kind of threw me off. Some of the things she did as well that seemed to be humorous or endearing, just didn’t quite land for me. I also felt there were too many perspectives given how short the story was. I didn’t really feel the connections between each person as we didn’t get a chance to fully understand them or have enough interactions between them to justify the feelings or actions. I would have preferred the book to focus on one central romance and give that relationship more time to grow naturally.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Alexander and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun read and I LOVE the mother/son relationship between Pete and Miranda. The small town descriptions and fall themed activities in details were a fall lovers dream along with the food descriptions in the Green Grocer or for the romantic farm dinner. The puns were hilarious and added so much charm to the story.

Miranda is a single mom who has the best relationship with her son and niece. After a much deserved vacation before the busy season, Pete and his cousin Elise, make a post of Miranda's vacation that goes viral. Her motherly blunders are an influencers dream, which is exactly what Jim and Shelby's company want her to be. Crazy enough, Jim had a meet cute with a coffee mishap with Miranda in the airport on the very vacation that was documented. Jim is in his early fifties and can appreciate Miranda's humor and openness and authenticity. He is drawn to her beyond just the job, but proving that at times are difficult with Shelby bringing up a competition for a new promotion within the company. Shelby is a go-getter, but she has a real need to get this promotion to pay off her father's debts and help her family. Her motivation is driving her to make assumptions and push a certain narrative hoping she will win.

We get 4 POV from Miranda, Pete, Jim, and Shelby. There are two love stories in one and hopefully a perfect set-up for a book featuring Pete in the future. Miranda and Jim are so pure and happy to be in each other's company. Watching their relationship grow was so sweet with all the hilarious puns! Pete has a major life choice and it is so sweet that his mom is always in his corner. Pete and Shelby have a connection, but each have things to work through personally.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC of A Fall to Remember in exchange for an honest review. This is a beautiful autumn read with a heartfelt narrative of the family connection.

[Denise Peachey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Although I finished this book in a day, I've sat with it for a few days before writing my review.

First of all, the pros:

*Older FMC/MMC
*Short chapters
*Small town setting
*Cosy atmosphere

I was really looking forward to a small town, cosy romance featuring older main characters, Jim and Miranda had so much potential.

Miranda is a 48 year old single mum who becomes an accidental influencer after a holiday video goes viral. She's ditzy, sweet, and very loveable. Jim is a travel representative sent to help with her marketing campaign.

Now for the cons:

*Too many POV's
*Lack of depth to the characters
*Jim and Miranda's romance wasn't fleshed out enough.

Overall, I was disappointed with this book. Jim and Miranda had so much potential, but their story felt flat. There wasn't enough depth to the characters, and their romance never really had the opportunity to develop properly.

For me, the biggest issue was the number of different POV's. The Pete and Shelby storyline took up such a large portion of the book that it detracted from Jim and Miranda's story. I think their storyline could have been touched on without taking up so much of the book. Because so much time was spent on Pete and Shelby, Jim and Miranda's relationship felt skimmed over, and their characters weren't given enough time to develop.

I was also a little disgruntled by the way Jim and Miranda were portrayed as being quite technophobic and clueless when it came to basic technology simply because of their age. Being the same age as Miranda, and having grown up alongside the rapid development of technology, I found this portrayal very hard to believe.

I also felt the ending was rushed. One minute Miranda was very upset, the next all was forgiven.

This book had so much potential, and I really wanted to love it. Unfortunately, I was left bitterly disappointed.

[Faa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing that I noted was the POVs. It is honestly just my preference but you know, it’s better to stick with dual POVs or one POVs. Not too much like four all at once. Especially if it’s developed poorly or not explored deeply or properly. I want to know the character instead of jumping straight into it. I want to know a slight background and to feel like there is some difference between each POVs. The writing is fine but it lacks the uniqueness of each character.

The purpose of having different Point of Views was to show the reader how different the character's mind works. If the language style is the same or there are no certain remarks to illustrate it, it’s just… all the same, just different titles beginning from the chapter.

The idea is unique. I love that we never explore old people's romance. Like most of modern day romance characters either in their mid 20s or mid 30s. Never once has it occurred to me why there is rarely an option for another group of age that is perhaps older than the one already in the market. So, the idea is very unique. I like how it reminded me that no matter how old the age group is, we are still capable of falling in love.

But what bugged me also was how it focused on two love stories all at once with 4 POVs. Can we just focus on one and explore it properly before jumping to another one altogether?

Despite having a cute cover, unfortunately this one did not exceed my expectations. I really like the cover but the execution is just done badly. A bit disappointed, honestly. But the idea of this book is already good. The execution though, meh.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fall to Remember is the kind of story that feels like stepping straight into sweater weather. Half Moon Bay comes alive with crisp air, golden leaves, and that irresistible small‑town charm that makes you want to linger on every page. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of the gentle magic that happens when life surprises you in the best possible ways.

Miranda is instantly relatable—hard‑working, a little frazzled, and absolutely not prepared for her accidental rise to internet fame. Her viral travel‑photo disaster is both hilarious and endearing, and it sets the stage for a sweet second‑chance journey she never expected. Watching her navigate the Fall Harvest Festival with a camera pointed at her and a handsome stranger at her side is pure delight.

Jim brings an easy warmth to the story. Their chemistry is soft and slow‑building, the kind that sneaks up on you like the first chill of autumn. The tension between authenticity and performance—between real feelings and the demands of a marketing campaign—adds just enough conflict to keep the pages turning without ever losing the cozy vibe.

The festival itself is a treat: apple cider, pumpkins, community traditions, and that nostalgic feeling of belonging. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romance about rediscovering joy, embracing imperfections, and letting yourself be seen.

Heartwarming, gentle, and full of autumn glow, this is a perfect curl‑up‑with‑a‑latte read for anyone who loves small towns, second chances, and stories that feel like home. I am looking forward to following this series.

With thanks to Ellie Alexander, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are sweating through summer and looking forward to the cooler temps coming in a few months, you may relish Ellie Alexander's A Fall to Remember. And if you are a Northern California resident, you will also enjoy the setting, Half Moon Bay, home of the Art and Pumpkin Festival, which features an annual contest to determine the biggest pumpkin cultivated in that area.

Middle aged Miranda is the proprietor of a boutique grocery store and cafe and loves her life in Half Moon Bay, but she is also looking forward to making some exciting changes in her life. After her travel photos become an internet sensation (despite the fact that she admits to taking the world's worst photos), an impressive number of viewers find her adorable and wish she was their mother or other close family member. Very quickly, this catches the attention of a travel company that would like to transform Miranda into their personal brand influencer.

Arriving in town as their festival is about to begin, two of the travel company's employees of different generations have conflicting ideas of how Miranda should be portrayed. And the younger one, a woman whose family troubles are threatening to defeat her if she doesn't get a promotion and more money, wants to make sure her older. male colleague doesn't steal that promotion. Of course, there is some romance--perhaps a bit too fast for one couple and riddled with communication issues with the other. But it is a charming venue, an entertaining story, and a fast read to boot.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.

[Reda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fall to Remember is the first in a new series by Ellie Alexander, and the first book I've read from her. I understand that she's typically a mystery writer, so this book was a bit of a departure for her. Although certainly there's a mystery that remains to be solved in future books, this one was a straight-up Fall romcom. And Half Moon Bay made for a charming backdrop (supporting character?) for the story.

I love that this was a love story between two middle-aged people; there aren't enough stories about people finding love in their 40s and 50s. I even appreciated the multiple points of view, although I think 4 POVs in a 300-page book was pushing it. I also think trying to tell two love stories made both of them thin, and really detracted from the one that was unique to this book (not to mention the genre). It almost felt like the author didn't think that the middle-age story was enough on its own, and threw in the second one to compensate. If so, that was a miss for two reasons. One: it was a miscalculation; we needed MORE of Jim and Miranda, not less. Two: Shelby was a deeply unlikeable character. How she treated Jim was horrible, and how she treated everyone else wasn't much better. As a character, she gave ambitious 20-something women with complicated families a really, really bad name. If the next book is about her, I'm not sure if I'll read it.

I will try one of Alexander's mysteries though.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

[Sneha R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a comforting read. It had the perfect mix of family, romance, humor, and small-town charm, making it easy to get lost in the story. The fall atmosphere was beautifully written, and I could almost picture the pumpkin festival, cozy cafés, and all the seasonal decorations while reading.

What stood out to me the most was Miranda. She felt real, relatable, and refreshing as a main character, and I loved that the story focused on a woman finding unexpected opportunities later in life. Her relationship with Pete was easily my favorite part of the book, it was full of love, trust, and support, and it added so much heart to the story.

I also enjoyed the romance between Miranda and Jim. It was sweet, mature, and felt genuine without being over the top. The second romance didn't grab my attention as much, and I found it harder to connect with Shelby's character, although I could understand the reasons behind her actions.

There were a few moments where the story felt slightly rushed, and I would have liked a stronger ending for every storyline. Even so, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I finished the book with a smile.

If you're looking for a light, cozy romance that celebrates family, second chances, and the beauty of autumn, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

[Stephanie K · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

I always have a harder time connecting with books that have multiple POVs, and unfortunately, this one was no different. It’s a shame because the story had real potential. The small coastal town setting with its cozy fall atmosphere was exactly what I love, but I struggled to connect with several of the characters.
Miranda was my favorite—endearing, nurturing, and easy to root for, even if she sometimes felt older than her age. Her relationship with Jim was sweet, though it developed too quickly to feel fully believable. Jim himself was warm and likable, but their romance would have benefited from more time to grow.
Shelby was the hardest to connect with. While her circumstances were understandable, she was often difficult to root for, overly pushy at work, and prone to overreactions that strained her relationships.
The promotion rivalry between Shelby and Jim also didn’t work for me, especially since Jim didn’t seem invested in it. It took focus away from the cozy atmosphere. The dual romance setup also felt a bit too coincidental and lessened the story’s believability.
Overall, the setting was wonderful, but the characters and plot choices kept me from fully enjoying the book.

Things that worked:
*Small town charm
*Fall Embrace

Things that didn’t work:
*Dual love stories
*Pushy FMC
*Multiple POV’s

[Prapti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t really know how to feel about this one other than it wasn’t what I was expecting but I was open to giving it a chance.

The story follows 48-year-old Miranda, whose travel photos goes viral and now a travel company wants her to cover her town’s beloved Fall Harvest Festival, she’s paired with the charming Jim Cole, who’s there to help capture her authentic, imperfect magic on camera. Along for the ride is Shelby, who has her own career goals and is desperate for the promotion she thinks Jim is after. Instead, she ends up spending time with Miranda’s 26-year-old son, Pete, and, well... feelings happen.

Getting introduced to four main characters right away was a little bit of whiplash. There are essentially two romances happening at the same time, and Pete and Shelby get just as much page time as Miranda and Jim. The only difference is that Pete and Shelby’s story didn’t really feel complete by the end. I actually found myself wanting more of them, and I’d definitely read another book if they ever got one.

Miranda and Jim were cute together, and overall this was a cozy small-town read. It just ended up being a little different from what I was expecting.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ella Goldmacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
This book really didn’t work for me. With four points of view and two separate love stories, there was simply too much going on, and none of the characters felt believable.
Miranda is 48 but is written as though she’s 90. She can’t figure out how to take a selfie, seems generally clueless, and comes across as an oddly exaggerated character. She also video-calls her son every time a cute woman enters the store, which is both ridiculous and incredibly awkward. As someone in her age group, I was honestly offended by the way she was portrayed—as though a woman in her late forties would be completely out of touch, incapable of navigating everyday life, and bizarrely obsessed with finding her son a girlfriend.
Shelby, meanwhile, is deeply paranoid and convinced that everyone is out to get her. She also feels personally responsible for paying her sister’s college tuition and helping her mother keep a house she can’t afford. But student loans exist, and selling an unaffordable house is also an option. These problems felt manufactured rather than natural.
Overall, the characters’ behavior and circumstances felt contrived, unrealistic, and simply off.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with Ellie Alexander’s writing all over again with this brilliant first book in a new cozy romance series.

Miranda is a single mother who loves running her family’s Green Grocer with her grown son Pete and niece Elise, while taking the occasional vacation for herself. When one of her ‘mom-style’ pictures from her most recent vacation goes viral, Jim and Shelby of Voyager Travel come into town to try out a new type of social media influencer.

Ellie Alexander was my gateway to cozy mysteries, and her foray into romance has been nothing less than revelatory to fans like myself, so I’m beyond excited that she’s continued with the genre after her two Christmas romances last year.

I, for one, love the multiple points of view from chapter to chapter because it made me appreciate each distinct character more. The romance is apple cider donut sweet, making me yearn for my favourite flannel shirt and tights while going to the pumpkin patch with my husband.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fall to Remember is the perfect cozy read to welcome the autumn season. From the very first page, I was completely charmed by the warm atmosphere, lovable characters, and picturesque small-town setting. It made me want to grab a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and savor every moment.

The story is sweet, heartwarming, and wonderfully easy to follow, with a fantastic cast of characters that quickly felt like old friends. I especially loved the beautiful setting and all the autumnal details, which made the story come alive and added so much charm.

Ellie Alexander's writing style is warm, engaging, and effortlessly inviting. The pacing was just right, keeping me invested from beginning to end without ever feeling rushed or slow. It was such a comforting escape, and I finished the book with a smile on my face.

If you're looking for a feel-good romance filled with cozy fall vibes, memorable characters, and plenty of heart, A Fall to Remember is one I highly recommend. I can't wait to read more from Ellie Alexander!

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Ellie Alexander for the early arc of this cute, uplifting romance set in Autumn.
Blurb
Miranda Brown never meant to become famous. She just wanted a quiet vacation―a rare break from running The Green Grocer, the cosy market that's been the heart of Half Moon Bay, California, for three generations. But when her spectacularly terrible travel photos go viral, Miranda becomes an unlikely internet sensation.

Suddenly her life is turned upside down when Jim and his colleague come to their small town to take pictures and videos of her life, and sign her up as a new collaborator to their travel company.
Whilst basking in the attention and loving all the new and exciting things happening to her, Miranda soon finds herself falling for Jim.
Only, he lives miles away.
She lives in her small town where her life is.
And her son, has gone and fallen for Jim's colleague.
Miranda and Jim are adorable in this later in life, sweet and clean romance.
Perfect for lovers of all things Autumn and of course a pumpkin latte.
Definitely one for your reading list

PUB DATE 01st September
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Abby Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book presents four different perspectives, which initially proved challenging. It feels like nothing is fully resolved. The writing was good, and the story was okay, but I think the shift to four viewpoints was a bit abrupt. You didn’t get to focus as much on the main couple, which is a shame because I would have enjoyed more of Jim and Miranda’s story. It felt like the overall narrative was a bit unclear. I liked Pete, but I didn’t particularly like Shelby; there wasn’t a satisfying redemption arc for her. She seemed to lack emotional intelligence, and it felt like she was taking things out on everyone. It’s like, women, please handle your emotions and don’t let them affect others. Again, nothing is resolved; it’s just brushed under the rug, and then Pete’s story his his to tell?!? What about his dad? Seriously, what was that about? Pete had a point of view in the book, but where was his story besides that he liked Shelby and Shelby only cared about the promotion?

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍁NETGALLEY BOOK REVIEW🍁

Title: A Fall to Remember
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Storm Publishing
Author: Ellie Alexander
Expected Release Date: 09|01|2026
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🚫
Book Type: Standalone

If you can’t tell, I’m so ready for fall! This was the perfect, cozy, small town romance to get me in the mood for the fall season. The second chance trope weaved beautifully in this book and it was a little comical seeing Miranda get jealous at Jim’s fake date. The author did great at describing the environment and each scene perfectly that made it like a movie in my head.

It’s definitely a cozy read with a little banter and drama. Each character was written well along with the story line. If you’re looking to start the fall season right, I’d definitely recommend starting with this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Author Ellie Alexander for the arc. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Quetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

rc review 3.75⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This book is cozy and charming. It’s the perfect little story for heading into fall. I finished the book in one day.

I loved the story & that the main character is in her 40’s. She’s an amazing woman and mom who prioritizes her family above everything.

“Whenever you see the wind blowing in the trees, it’s a reminder that the trees are cheering for you. They’re our guardians, rooting for us at every turn.” 🍁🌳


There’s a lot of POV going on which is a hit or miss with books. This one, hits in the middle. I enjoyed getting to know each character however I feel like there was parts of the story that was missed out on because there were so many different point of view. I would like to feel a little more in love with each character.

Overall, I enjoyed the book & it will make it to my fall book shelf collection (which happens to be my favorite season of books) 🎃🍁🍂🧙‍♀️

[Michelle Treas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book. A Fall to Remember is the first book in Ellie Alexander's new series Half Moon Bay. I absolutely loved this book. From the first chapter I did not want to put it down. I was already a fan of this author's mystery series, A Secret Bookcase and The Novel Detective Agency. This is the first romance book I have read by this author and could not put it down. I read the book in two sittings. I absolutely loved the setting of this book which is a small town. Which did not surprise me as I loved the setting in her the other two series. I loved the four points of view this story was told from. This was a fun light read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Gaby | Reading Mode · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fall to Remember has such a lovely autumnal setting, and Half Moon Bay felt so vivid that I could easily imagine myself there.

I really liked the premise and enjoyed watching the characters begin to take shape, but trying to fit two couples into such a short book meant that neither relationship had enough room to fully develop. The POV changes felt abrupt at first, and by the end I still didn’t feel that I knew Miranda or Jim particularly well. With the entire story unfolding over only two days, everything also felt a little rushed. There was so much charm and potential here, but I wish the story had been given more time to let its characters and relationships breathe.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for the perfect book to kick off fall reading season, A Fall to Remember is such a cozy pick. Set in the charming town of Half Moon Bay, the story follows a single mom whose vacation photos unexpectedly go viral, leading to new opportunities and an unexpected romance. I loved the later-in-life love story, the warm family dynamics, and all the autumn vibes, from harvest festivals to cozy cafés. It's sweet, heartwarming, low-drama, and feels like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with a pumpkin spice latte. Perfect for anyone who loves small-town romances full of charm and heart.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 1, 2026
#AFalltoRemember #NetGalley

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The FMC felt refreshing, and I loved getting to know her family as well. The descriptions of Half Moon Bay were so vivid that they made me want to visit.

I did have some difficulty warming up to Shelby, but I believe that was the author’s intention. She was dealing with so much stress that it often came out as snippiness, which made her feel more realistic. Jim was every girl’s dream come true, and I enjoyed the way the story explored that familiar social media question of whether something is genuine or simply being done for clicks.

The story felt a little disjointed in a few places, but overall, it was an enjoyable and easy read with plenty to like.

[Sarah Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

A Fall to remember is such a great, cozy read, we meet Miranda, a single mom with a traveling hobby, a post goes viral, an opportunity arises and she takes it.

Picked this book due to love for fall and the stunning cover. What I wasn't expecting was to fall in love with a sweet small time and how much I would love the cozy theme. The story is cute, cozy and warm, it has a great story line and amazing characters. Ellie Alexander's writing is comforting and catching. Everything followed a great flow and kept me glued to the pages. I love a 'holiday' or seasonal book, especially the fall. Everything made sense and I loved each second of it.

[Tamara]

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
First off I want to say that I love everything about this book, it’s small town fall vibes, it’s meet cute romance, humor, fantastic characters and it’s written by one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. (A Bakeshop Mystery series is one of my favorites, I have the books displayed in my dinning room. I could read them over and over again.) That being said I can’t finish this book. I’m not sure why I can’t get into, maybe I keep waiting for someone to die and the mystery of whodunnit to start. I’m 44% in and it’s a DNF. I’m sure this book is going to find its followers, it’s perfect for fall.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a warm and delightful fall read! Ellie Alexander perfectly captures the cozy small town atmosphere with beautiful autumn descriptions, delicious food, and characters that feel like old friends. I loved the focus on family, relationships, and the sweet bond between Miranda and Pete, it gave the story so much heart.

The multiple perspectives were done really well and added depth without ever feeling confusing. Miranda’s lovable personality and the charming festival setting made this such an uplifting, feel-good story. A perfect book to curl up with on a crisp fall day!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

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

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I love Ellie Alexander's cozy mystery series so when I saw this book, I knew I had to read her cozy fall romance! And it was a perfect sweet fall romance read. Story is centered around lovable Miranda, single mom, who accidentally went viral and became a beloved social media figure. A travel company seeks her out to help boost their social media campaign. Of course, love and sweet moments begin.

If you are looking for a sweet fall read, don't hesitate to read this story!