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Always Be My Pumpkin
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26Sunny librarian Gracie isn’t looking for love. After dumping her cheating ex, she’s living the life she’s always dreamed of as a small-town librarian – surrounded by books, knitted pumpkins, and the cosy magic of Samhain.
Then Flynn Anderson walks back into her life.
Not only is Flynn her childhood best friend, he’s the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, disappearing to New York with no explanation. Now he's back, annoyingly handsome and somehow roped into helping her organise the village's Halloween festivities. Even worse? They’re forced to share his family's cottage. With only one bed.
Between sweet, funny notes, stolen glances, and far too many moments that make her pulse race, Gracie finds her feelings for Flynn are more complicated than she thought. And when a spicy fake kiss feels all too real, she faces an impossible choice.
Will Gracie be heartbroken again? Or will the magic of Samhain, and the support of their cosy small-town community, help Gracie and Flynn find their way home – this time, for good?
Then Flynn Anderson walks back into her life.
Not only is Flynn her childhood best friend, he’s the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, disappearing to New York with no explanation. Now he's back, annoyingly handsome and somehow roped into helping her organise the village's Halloween festivities. Even worse? They’re forced to share his family's cottage. With only one bed.
Between sweet, funny notes, stolen glances, and far too many moments that make her pulse race, Gracie finds her feelings for Flynn are more complicated than she thought. And when a spicy fake kiss feels all too real, she faces an impossible choice.
Will Gracie be heartbroken again? Or will the magic of Samhain, and the support of their cosy small-town community, help Gracie and Flynn find their way home – this time, for good?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 25, 2026
This cover is lovely and really drew me in. The blurb sounded good and I love a seasonal read, but unfortunately this one didn’t work for me.
Whilst it is set in autumn and based around a Halloween festival so does have some autumnal vibes, that was where my enjoyment ended. Both these characters are supposed to be in their mid 20s, yet they behave like teenagers at least 10 years younger than their actual ages. The entire plot is miscommunication after miscommunication that’s gone on for over a decade and continues right until the end of the story. Honestly, it gets boring and repetitive really early on. If they just had 1 proper conversation like adults at literally any point in time, the whole thing would be a non issue. Nothing else really happens except for this constant miscommunication over and over again. A disappointing read.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.
Whilst it is set in autumn and based around a Halloween festival so does have some autumnal vibes, that was where my enjoyment ended. Both these characters are supposed to be in their mid 20s, yet they behave like teenagers at least 10 years younger than their actual ages. The entire plot is miscommunication after miscommunication that’s gone on for over a decade and continues right until the end of the story. Honestly, it gets boring and repetitive really early on. If they just had 1 proper conversation like adults at literally any point in time, the whole thing would be a non issue. Nothing else really happens except for this constant miscommunication over and over again. A disappointing read.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.
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July 5, 2026🎃 Always Be My Pumpkin 🎃
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
🍂 What to Expect
• Second Chance Romance
• Childhood Friends
• Forced Proximity
• Small Town Romance
• Librarian FMC
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 1, 2026
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
🍂 What to Expect
• Second Chance Romance
• Childhood Friends
• Forced Proximity
• Small Town Romance
• Librarian FMC
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 1, 2026
Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Always Be My Pumpkin is the kind of romance that makes you want to grab a fuzzy blanket, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and disappear into a world of crisp autumn days and falling in love. Linda McEvoy captures that cozy fall feeling beautifully while giving us a romance filled with sweetness, chemistry, emotion, and plenty of heart.
What I loved most was how the romance develops alongside all those wonderful seasonal touches. There’s something irresistible about watching two people grow closer surrounded by pumpkins, autumn traditions, and that small-town coziness that makes everything feel a little more magical. The attraction is there, but it’s the emotional connection and quieter moments between the characters that really made me invested in their relationship.
The story has that comforting Hallmark-movie feeling while still giving the characters enough emotion and personality to make their romance feel meaningful. There are adorable moments that made me smile, tender scenes that had me completely rooting for them, and just enough obstacles along the way to make that happily-ever-after feel earned.
And the fall atmosphere? Perfection. It practically jumps off the page. This is exactly the kind of book I want to read when September arrives and I’m ready for pumpkin patches, sweaters, cool evenings, and romances that leave me ridiculously happy.
Always Be My Pumpkin is sweet, cozy, romantic, and full of autumn charm. If you love seasonal romances with lovable characters, heartwarming moments, and all the pumpkin-spice vibes you could possibly want, add this one to your fall reading list.
What I loved most was how the romance develops alongside all those wonderful seasonal touches. There’s something irresistible about watching two people grow closer surrounded by pumpkins, autumn traditions, and that small-town coziness that makes everything feel a little more magical. The attraction is there, but it’s the emotional connection and quieter moments between the characters that really made me invested in their relationship.
The story has that comforting Hallmark-movie feeling while still giving the characters enough emotion and personality to make their romance feel meaningful. There are adorable moments that made me smile, tender scenes that had me completely rooting for them, and just enough obstacles along the way to make that happily-ever-after feel earned.
And the fall atmosphere? Perfection. It practically jumps off the page. This is exactly the kind of book I want to read when September arrives and I’m ready for pumpkin patches, sweaters, cool evenings, and romances that leave me ridiculously happy.
Always Be My Pumpkin is sweet, cozy, romantic, and full of autumn charm. If you love seasonal romances with lovable characters, heartwarming moments, and all the pumpkin-spice vibes you could possibly want, add this one to your fall reading list.
Review of advance copy received from Book of the Month
The theme of this book is adults that lack emotional intelligence or basic communication skills. Not a self-aware thought in sight.
2
2
This book was so dumb. Almost every plot point was explained by a stupid, grasping reason that made zero sense. And I hate when the FMC is blind to the VERY OBVIOUS signs that the MMC loves her and instead of communicating, she makes a rash decision and ends it.
I was on board for a bit with the story and I did like Flynn at first but now… I honestly know nothing about him. Or anyone for that matter. What is his job? Why was she planning a Halloween festival? Did we even see said festival? Why wait 10 years of miscommunication before having a conversation? And they got together FAST?? Why is Jamie even there? Who all are related? We know nothing about Sarah except that she gives bad advice and is engaged to the guy defending her cheating ex? But they are the good guys rightttt.
And I was sooooo done when the ending was centered around…a twilight themed flash mob? And not only did it work to “win” him back (which again.. a simple conversation without involving the whole town would have worked fine) but he CRIED? Flynn?
So so dumb but also much better than the pumpkin pie spice latte whatever series from hell. Very mild spice too which was surprising. They just got together wayyyyy too fast and it deflated any tension or build that was going. Don’t even publish it—> go back and edit so the plot has a chance.
2
2
This book was so dumb. Almost every plot point was explained by a stupid, grasping reason that made zero sense. And I hate when the FMC is blind to the VERY OBVIOUS signs that the MMC loves her and instead of communicating, she makes a rash decision and ends it.
I was on board for a bit with the story and I did like Flynn at first but now… I honestly know nothing about him. Or anyone for that matter. What is his job? Why was she planning a Halloween festival? Did we even see said festival? Why wait 10 years of miscommunication before having a conversation? And they got together FAST?? Why is Jamie even there? Who all are related? We know nothing about Sarah except that she gives bad advice and is engaged to the guy defending her cheating ex? But they are the good guys rightttt.
And I was sooooo done when the ending was centered around…a twilight themed flash mob? And not only did it work to “win” him back (which again.. a simple conversation without involving the whole town would have worked fine) but he CRIED? Flynn?
So so dumb but also much better than the pumpkin pie spice latte whatever series from hell. Very mild spice too which was surprising. They just got together wayyyyy too fast and it deflated any tension or build that was going. Don’t even publish it—> go back and edit so the plot has a chance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was looking forward to this one as I'd enjoyed the author's previous book The Christmas Market, and I wasn't disappointed.
I loved the fact it was set in a library and Gracie fiercely wanted to stay in her small town, after having been away for a time.
The banter and the Irish craic made me laugh. The side characters were well drawn, but the two main characters were made for each other, and I have to say Flynn was gorgeous, in every way. Supportive and sweet unlike Gracie's ex, whose brash manner and entitlement provoked strong reactions in me!
The many misunderstandings and situations that kept Flynn and Gracie apart made me smile and sometimes sad and it definitely tugged at the heartstrings.
And I absolutely loved the ending. No spoilers! The book just got better and better and I'm glad to see there will be another linked book in the future.
So if you're after cosy autumn vibes, this book has it all. The autumn decor, festivals, drinks. It made me want to snuggle down with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. Five stars from me!
I loved the fact it was set in a library and Gracie fiercely wanted to stay in her small town, after having been away for a time.
The banter and the Irish craic made me laugh. The side characters were well drawn, but the two main characters were made for each other, and I have to say Flynn was gorgeous, in every way. Supportive and sweet unlike Gracie's ex, whose brash manner and entitlement provoked strong reactions in me!
The many misunderstandings and situations that kept Flynn and Gracie apart made me smile and sometimes sad and it definitely tugged at the heartstrings.
And I absolutely loved the ending. No spoilers! The book just got better and better and I'm glad to see there will be another linked book in the future.
So if you're after cosy autumn vibes, this book has it all. The autumn decor, festivals, drinks. It made me want to snuggle down with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. Five stars from me!
Review of advance copy
This was my selection from the September 2026 Kindle First options. The title is awful, but I thought the book might have potential since the premise sounded good. Unfortunately, the execution of the plot hinges on my least favorite trope, miscommunication. Pretty much every character, side characters included, is extremely immature, and it was beyond frustrating to read through them making bad decision after bad decision. I will say that I was intrigued enough to keep reading just so I could see how everything would turn out, which is saying something considering how irritated I became with the characters.
I've found that the Kindle First books tend to be a hit or a miss. Unfortunately, for me, this was a pretty firm miss. If you're someone who does like the miscommunication trope, you'll probably enjoy this. It's also a solid execution of a second chance romance/friends-to-lovers... But it was very hard for me to see past the characters' immaturity throughout the entire book.
I've found that the Kindle First books tend to be a hit or a miss. Unfortunately, for me, this was a pretty firm miss. If you're someone who does like the miscommunication trope, you'll probably enjoy this. It's also a solid execution of a second chance romance/friends-to-lovers... But it was very hard for me to see past the characters' immaturity throughout the entire book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cover and blurb drew me in.
It has that warm cozy autumnal vibe as the FMC is a librarian planning her Irish village/town's Halloween/Samhain festival. Gracie (FMC) and Flynn (MMC) have been best friends since childhood with 10yrs separation. They are reunited once she breaks up with her boyfriend and moves back home while he returns to help his uncle.
It has that warm cozy autumnal vibe as the FMC is a librarian planning her Irish village/town's Halloween/Samhain festival. Gracie (FMC) and Flynn (MMC) have been best friends since childhood with 10yrs separation. They are reunited once she breaks up with her boyfriend and moves back home while he returns to help his uncle.
September 2, 2026
Okay
Tedious, slow in some spots and I'm from America so I thought soft spice was just kissing more passionately, not a full bedroom scene so. Yeah. Anyway it just was not as interesting as I had hoped. Thank the Lord I got this on first reads and didn't spend a dime on it.
Tedious, slow in some spots and I'm from America so I thought soft spice was just kissing more passionately, not a full bedroom scene so. Yeah. Anyway it just was not as interesting as I had hoped. Thank the Lord I got this on first reads and didn't spend a dime on it.
September 5, 2026
Cozy and fun
Really fun read set in a cute Irish town at Halloween. Occasionally wanted to throttle Gracie for being totally blind, but Flynn was a 5 star book boyfriend so I'll overlook it.
Really fun read set in a cute Irish town at Halloween. Occasionally wanted to throttle Gracie for being totally blind, but Flynn was a 5 star book boyfriend so I'll overlook it.
Review of advance copy
Such a cute, easy read!
Review of advance copy
I thought it was a very cute story. I enjoyed meeting the characters and seeing them grow into themselves.
Review of advance copy
This was a sweet small town fall read with a cozy feel to it.
September 5, 2026
I enjoyed it, but felt like there were small holes in the story here and there. Didn’t flow was well as I would have liked, but it was a cute fall romance.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews