The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook: A totally cozy and addictive autumn romance

Maple Falls #5

by Harper Graham

He’s a single Dad. Is she his new chapter? 🎃 🍂 🎃 🍂

A high-flying bookaholic with big dreams who can’t stick around. A protective, sexy single dad whose life is in Maple Falls. Right person, wrong timing… or the best plot twist ever? An utterly addictive autumn romance. Gilmore Girls + spice = 🔥

Robyn’s totally committed to her job teaching literature at Yale. Her recent heartbreak led her to escape to a small-town bookstore. But it’s only temporary, no matter how much she obsesses over its cozy nook for indulging in books and pumpkin pie.... Or Tyler, its dark-haired, smouldering-eyed bookseller with an adorable little girl. NOTHING could keep her from going back to her dream career… right?

Tyler can’t help catching feelings for the cute professor hiding behind big glasses and a secretly steamy book. But watching his daughter Emma, with her pigtails and a serious llama obsession, grow attached to Robyn is a problem he didn’t see coming. Because Robyn is gorgeous, ambitious… and absolutely leaving town. Tyler can’t risk Emma’s heart getting broken, never mind his own…

But the sparks between them become impossible to resist. With Robyn’s return to Yale getting closer and Tyler falling more for her every day, can they walk away from their biggest love story yet?

Curl up with a blanket and your favourite fall drink and dive into this addictive small-town romance featuring a hot single dad, a big dash of spice, a found-family theme, and the unbeatable comfort of a cozy old bookstore. Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Gilmore Girls, and all things autumn.

🎃 🍂 🎃 🍂


Fall/Autumn
Bookish
Single Dad
Steamy + cozy
Small-town romance
Workplace romance
Friends to lovers
Spicy

What readers are saying about the bestselling Maple Falls

“Absolutely perfect… I was feeling all the feels… Happy tears, frustrated tears, goosebumps… The pining … the yearning… SUPERB! Everything I needed to catapult every fiber of my being to cozy season… kicks all five of your senses into overdrive!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I absolutely Love, LOVE, LOVED this… Absolutely STUNNING… I was hooked from the very first page to the last!!... Heart-warming… I found myself picking it up every spare second I had and not wanting to put it down and devoured it in a few short hours!! AN ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS MUST-READ!!” bookworm86

“It’s literally 3:20AM and I’m bawling my eyes out… my favourite couple… addicted… read it in less than 48 hours… so beautiful… ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!! … six stars. Period… chef’s kiss. I was dying for this.” baashlibrary ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Incredible.

Genres: Romance, Autumn, Fiction, Audiobook, Spicy, Halloween, Friends To Lovers

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2026

Reviews

[ଘRory ( semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★

BONUS STAR 🌟FOR MR .DARCY

I really liked the cozy, whimsical and bookish atmosphere of that book. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated by how fast the romance unfolded. I blinked, and suddenly they'd kissed—and the short chapters only amplified that rushed feeling. Now, I don't inherently dislike short chapters; I actually enjoyed how the author gave us both Tayler's and Robyn's perspectives, showing us what they meant to each other. The problem is that the romance itself lacked depth. Chemistry builds through communication, and these two barely exchanged words, especially at the start. Everything was conveyed through touches and looks when I wanted them to actually talk, share parts of themselves, and do things together besides reading that would build a real foundation. The author had something genuinely promising there, but instead of nurturing it, she diverted attention to a cozy mystery about Robyn's family history 😑. I'd rather have seen that page time go to the relationship .

“ if you've come this far ,then you know that love stories are built from hope , encourage,missteps and second chances ,and all the quiet moments in between”

I loved the backstory the author built for Robyn. She's a Yale professor, and that identity—the high-achieving academic, the good daughter—is the one her parents and that small town hold onto. In a place where gossip travels with the crisp autumn air, of course she'd be terrified of anyone discovering she writes spicy romance under a pen name. I understood that completely. The pen name gives her room to breathe, a way to exist outside the pressure of being perfect. And after her breakup, running a bookstore and disappearing into that cozy life felt like exactly what she needed.

Then October arrived and brought Tyler—the literate single dad—and honestly, I liked them together. Robyn has a sharp, quick mind, and the moment Tyler said Wuthering Heights isn't a romance, he started to grow on me lol . Emma, his daughter, is understandably his priority, and I did enjoy her presence in the story. But if I'm being honest, and this is more of a gentle wish than a criticism, I would have loved to see a little more emotional complexity there. A girl her age of 8yo, whose mother walked out years ago, might not be so quick to accept her father in a new relationship, and I think exploring that hesitation—even quietly—could have added a layer of depth that I personally would have connected with. Maybe that's just me wanting things to be a bit messier than they needed to be, and I can accept that. I still enjoyed the story. I just saw a small, missed opportunity for something even more real.

“ I'm yours ,Robyn ,Body , heart ,and soul”

Overall, I'd say: if Gilmore Girls with spice sounds like your perfect autumn read, go for it—the blurb gets that right. But if you're waiting for a love story with real weight, the kind that touches the marrow of your bones? Save your time and Skip it 💋.

「 ✦ 🎃 🍂 Tropes 🍂 🎃 ✦ 」
✦ Fall/Autumn
✦ Bookish
✦ Single Dad
✦ Steamy + cozy
✦ Small-town romance
✦ Workplace romance
✦ Friends to lovers
✦Spicy


「 ✦ 🎃 🍂 NOTE 🍂 🎃 ✦ 」
And just to be clear: when I mentioned Mr. Darcy in the heading of my review, I am not talking about the brooding gentleman from Pride and Prejudice. I'm talking about Mr. Darcy, the black cat that Robyn owns. The way that tiny creature tries to get her attention, and his cute movements that stole my heart 😭 I really cherished every single page the writer mentioned him, and for that alone, I added the bonus star. 🤧

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

The one thing this series always delivers on is the vibes!! The autumn feel, the hunt for a mystery manuscript and two people perfect for each other, all things I truly enjoyed!! 

I listened to the audiobook and I loved it, the narrator did an amazing job delivering the book and it made for a much better experience!

Robyn is on a sabbatical from teaching and she's running a bookstore with Tyler in the meantime. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Tyler's priority is his daughter and Robyn is supposed to go back to Yale in six weeks.. A mystery manuscript and clues to find it, tension that is about to boil over and a race to find a buyer that isn't going to destroy the bookstore.. Will they be able to save it and find their happily ever after?

Robyn was always under pressure to be perfect, but in Maple Falls she found a home and a family that cared about her. She was determined, organised and so lovable. Seeing the way Tyler saw her, understood her and supported her was amazing.
I adored Tyler, he was such a great dad and so attentive. He never tried to change her, always made sure she was okay and never pressured her.
Emma, Tyler's daughter, was such a cutie. I loved her bond with Tyler and the way she was with Robyn. That scene in the flower shop made me emotional!!

I really enjoyed their love story, he became such a safe place for her and that will always be my favourite part of any story. That kind of support always makes a difference. The spicy scenes were also very fun, especially the bath and the bookstore one..
My biggest complain is the fact that it started very suddenly.. We kind of get dropped off in the middle of the story, we are told that the tension between them has been building up for six weeks, but we didn't see those six weeks and that was a huge miss. I needed to see that, not just to be told, everything felt very rushed because of it.. Also, it was very lust infuelled, but that is honestly very typical for this series, so I'm not going to complain about it again, just be warned..
I did love the ending, I was afraid it will end the way I often hate and I'm so happy it didn't. It was such a perfect ending!!

I really love the small town and the way everyone always shows up for each other. That found family feeling and the immaculate vibes are the reasons I keep coming back to this series, even if it's filled with lust and often rushed. Sometimes you just need the vibes to deliver.. I did miss two and I will definitely come back and read them when the mood demands it!!

The next book has me very excited though, I'll be reading it as soon as it's available. I honestly think it will be my favourite because their interactions already have me wanting more!!!

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Bookouture Audio for providing me with an ALC.*

[Srivalli Rekha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming

Robyn is committed to her job of teaching literature at Yale. However, after her recent heartbreak, she needs some space and fresh air. This sends her to a small town bookstore, which is also famous for its pumpkin pie. Then there is handsome Tyler and his adorable little girl, Emma.

Tyler knows the new cute professor will return to her life soon, but that doesn’t stop him from liking her… a lot. But he can’t afford for his daughter to love someone who would leave them.

Can Robyn and Tyler find a way to make things work?

The story comes in Robyn and Tyler’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts

The fifth book in the series works as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous ones, but I might go back and do it sometime. I am excited for the next one, though. We get a hint about who the couple is.

There’s a map at the beginning that marks the route and the main businesses. It helps visualize the setting more clearly. The descriptions of fall are beautiful! I could feel the breeze and the scents of delicious pies mentioned here. Such a lovely place (I love fictional settings).

The main characters are easy to like. They are good people, trying to do their best and dealing with different pressures and triggers. The bookstore setting suits both their personalities, and so do their full-time jobs.

The side characters are cool, and the older ladies are a force of nature but sweet. Everyone here seems to be good, and I’ll take it happily. It captures the small-town community vibe well (everyone knows everything, but luckily they also seem sensible and caring). The kid is a sweetheart. I would have loved a few more scenes with her.

The romance is pretty good, I suppose. It is spicy (2.5) but still sweet. There’s a third-act conflict but not an outright breakup, since they act like adults and talk things over. A smart move.

The book deals with a couple of themes like parental pressure and a spouse who walks away. The parents stay in the background throughout (and there is no face-off), so it doesn’t dominate the plot, but is still important since it affects the FMC’s life and decisions.

There’s also a subplot of a manuscript written by the FMC’s great-grandma and the sale of the bookstores. While the first was handled beautifully, the other had an easy resolution. I’d do a crazy dance if something that easy happened in my life.

The epilogue is sweet and fun. I am ready for the next book!

To summarize, The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook is a heartwarming and sweet book with a low-stakes romance. It would be a great choice for a lazy afternoon.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #ThePumpkinPieBookNook

[Emma.catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking a trip back to Maple Falls 🍁

When better to take another trip back to this cosy town that brings ALL the autumnal vibes? 🍂 Cosy up with a coffee (and preferably a cat named Mr Darcy 🐈‍⬛) and allow yourself to be immersed in this small-town story that oozes with books, pumpkins, and plenty of chemistry! 📚🎃⚡️

‘The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook’ is the 5th instalment in this charming series 📚 Harper has delivered, once again, with some of my favourite tropes including a charming, handsome single dad, a strong found-family theme, and a dash of mystery, all set within the comfort of an old bookstore. Need I say more?

Robyn, a Yale literature professor, is on sabbatical, working her dream job in a bookstore x Tyler, protective single dad, putting down roots…The chemistry? Undeniable. The reality? A case of right person, wrong timing…Between a mystery manuscript, an adorable little girl, and a race to save their beloved bookstore, will they get a chance at a HEA right here in Maple Falls? Or will Robyn’s high-flying career drag her back before they even get started?

Tyler is as solid as a rock! This man is the definition of grounding. He is an anchor for those around him. Honestly,just reading about him calmed me down. I could feel the space to breathe, drop my shoulders. His presence was so calming and reassuring. He always made sure both Robyn and Emma, his little girl, were okay. Never forcing, but wanting to work things out together. He has fears of his own but his strength is overpowering. I loved his charming humour and fierce protectiveness. A great dad and a fantastic partner.

“I’m yours, Robyn. Body, heart, and soul.” 😌

I really loved our FMC - Robyn. I think she is someone many of us can relate to. A book loving, list obsessed, type A perfectionist. I certainly saw myself in her, especially when her anxiety spiked and she spiralled. But despite her overwhelming worries, she is incredibly determined and hard-working, organised to a fault. She also had a very loving, caring side to her; a softness. I loved seeing her step away from the life she/her parents thought she ‘should’ have and learning to step into what her heart truly desired.

I loved the connection between Tyler and Robyn. It was more than just chemistry, there was a deep emotional bond here - he held such a safe place for her, allowing for a beautiful sense of self-growth. Watching all three of them interact together was so utterly charming. I adored the natural ease that flowed between Emma and Robyn, adding a real found-family element to the story. I liked the way they worked through their problems, resulting in a very satisfying ending 💘

"Sometimes loving someone meant letting go of the life you thought you wanted and stepping into the unknown with both hands open." 💖🤲🏼✨

Overall, I really enjoyed this instalment of the Maple Falls series. I have read all of them, to date, and am always drawn back to the cosy vibes and wonderful supporting characters. One of my favourite aspects of the series is the way they worked through town all come together, lending a helping hand, and hilarious antics. I am genuinely SO ecstatic for book 6 - Emily and firefighter Cole 🤭 I have a feeling it might just be the best yet 👀

"Sometimes the happiest ending is the one we choose for ourselves…Write the ending you believe these characters deserve. Give them the future you hoped for. Let them find their happily ever after in the way only you can see." ✍🏼💖✨

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎃📚 The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook 🍂🥧

I am so, so, so obsessed with this entire series! 😍

✨💕Robyn + Tyler Foreverrr 💕✨

Each book is the perfect cozy romance! And this one felt extra cozy! I am also a sucker for single dad romances so it makes alot of sense! Seriously, every book gets better as the series continues!

What to Expect
🍂 Autumn Romance
💼 Professor FMC
👨‍👧 Single Dad
💖 Small Town
🫶 Found Family
✨ Workplace Romance

🎃 🍂 🎃 🍂🎃 🍂 🎃 🍂🎃 🍂🎃 🍂

🎧 Narration: Andi Eloise
📅 Pub Date: August 18, 2026
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced ebook and listening copies.

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple feel-good romance novel.

Robyn has come to Maple Falls after taking a sabbatical from her position at Yale where she taught literature. She has had a recent breakup and wants to be careful with relationships. In Maple Falls, she runs her friend Meg's bookstore while she is away. The bookstore had been Robyn's great grandmother Isabel's long back. The bookstore has a small cafe where Robyn’s friend Emily delivers a pumpkin pie every day. Meg will be investing in opening a bookstore in Paris and decides to sell the Maple Falls bookstore. Tyler, is Robyn’s part-time colleague at store. He is a single dad, has a daughter Emma of whom he is very protective. Robyn also finds that her great-grandmother had written a book and left parts in different places with clues for the town residents to find.

Both Robyn and Tyler are very charming characters. The story scores with its characters and simplicity. It is entirely predictable though.

My rating: 3.75 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book from Harper Graham to date!

I loved the fall setting from the cozy vibes, tasty fall drinks, talk of pumpkins, and the Halloween events. It was so charming and absolutely perfect for fall.

There were multiple important plot points happening simultaneously, which kept me invested throughout the story. Robyn and Tyler work together and have undeniable chemistry. When they start working together to uncover the Maple Book Mystery surrounding Robyn’s great grandmother’s writings, they finally give in to their desires. I appreciated that they wanted to take things slow, both for themselves and out of consideration for Tyler’s daughter, Emma.

Robyn is planning on moving after her friend sells the bookstore where she works. She’s conflicted because the interested buyers aren’t concerned with preserving the bookstore the community has grown to love. Now that she’s also fallen for Tyler, the idea of leaving everything behind starts to feel even heavier.

On top of all that, she’s a very popular romance writer who publishes under a pseudonym. She doesn’t feel like she would be accepted if she publicly took ownership of her work. Little does she know her biggest fan, is closer to her than she thinks.

Between her developing feelings for Tyler, growing closer to his daughter, and the community coming together to solve her great grandmother’s book mystery, there was so much to love. Add in the stressful situation surrounding the bookstore sale and Robyn’s desire to preserve that safe space for the book loving community, I was legit dialed in! The ending was just perfect; it really all came together so well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Joseandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC!

This was such a cute, cozy read! I’m a sucker for small-town romances, and this one had that warm, feel-good vibe that made it really easy to settle into. I loved the bookshop setting and all the little details that made the town feel like a place I’d actually want to visit.

I especially liked the way the story handled the main character’s struggles with writing and putting herself out there. The anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of people judging your work felt really relatable and added more depth to what could have easily been just a cute romance.

The characters were easy to root for, and the romance had plenty of sweet moments without feeling overdone. I also really enjoyed the side characters and the sense of community throughout the story. It definitely gave me that “I want to live here” feeling.

The audiobook was really enjoyable too. The narration fit the cozy tone of the story and made this an easy one to listen to.

Overall, this was a charming autumn romance with books, small-town vibes, and plenty of heart. 🍂📚

[aribooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw “single dad” and I said sign me right now !!!!!! I love single dad trope, and I think it’s one of the best trope ever so of course I had to read this !!!
I’m gonna be honest I didn’t read the other books in the serie before but the book cover made me wanna read this haha !!
I’m not a big big fan of a lot of small chapters but it didn’t really bother me in this book so this is a big + !!
The main thing I liked was the story setting : bookstore, small town romance, mystery to solve, friends to lovers, single dad and secret author of romance. I really enjoyed the yearning Tyler and Robyn had in the beginning for each other, but I’m a little disappointed that they started “quickly” even though they took the relationship slowly.
I really liked the writing because this was very easily to read, and the genre of romance that are addictive!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc !!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robyn breezes into Maple Falls insisting she's only there temporarily, and I laughed out loud because this woman walked into a cozy bookstore that serves pumpkin pie, met a ridiculously attractive bookseller with permanent tired-single-dad eyes, and still thought she was leaving. Ma'am. Read the room. Or better yet, read literally any romance novel on those shelves.

Tyler is one of those men who has accidentally become responsible for absolutely everything. The bookstore. His daughter. His own feelings. Everybody else's feelings. He's so busy making sure Emma has a good life that he's forgotten he's allowed to have one too. Then Robyn shows up looking like she wandered out of a literature department and straight into his emotional support system, and suddenly this poor man is fighting for his life every time she smiles at him.

Emma absolutely steals this book. Forget the romance for a second. This little girl has pigtails, a llama obsession, zero interest in personal boundaries, and the uncanny ability to decide two adults belong together before they've even admitted it to themselves. Every time Tyler tried to protect her heart by keeping Robyn at arm's length, Emma would basically say, "Anyway, here's the family we're building," and continue coloring.

And Robyn...I really liked her because her conflict actually felt like something a real person would wrestle with. She's worked incredibly hard for this dream career. Yale isn't just a job she picked up on LinkedIn one afternoon. It's the life she's spent years chasing. So every cozy afternoon in that bookstore, every conversation with Tyler, every moment with Emma feels like she's quietly realizing the future she planned and the future she wants might not be the same thing. That's messy. That's scary. That's real.

The bookstore itself deserves employee benefits because it is doing an unbelievable amount of matchmaking. Between the books, the pumpkin pie, the little reading nook, the town constantly nudging these two together, and all the crisp autumn vibes, I was ready to pack my life into two suitcases and ask if Maple Falls had any affordable rentals. This series continues to have the magical ability to make me crave fictional real estate.

And yes, there's spice, but what got me was how much these two actually enjoyed each other. They flirt. They tease. They make each other's lives lighter. Sometimes romance forgets that falling in love is supposed to include laughing, and Tyler and Robyn genuinely seemed happiest when they were just existing together between all the bigger life decisions.

I also loved dropping back into Maple Falls. At this point these characters feel like that group of neighbors who always know exactly what's happening on your street before you do. Every return visit feels like catching up with people who have absolutely been gossiping while you were away, and honestly, I appreciate that level of community involvement.

This landed at 4 stars for me. It gave me everything I keep coming back to this series for: cozy comfort, found family, autumn magic, chemistry that actually feels earned, and a tiny scene-stealing child who was quietly running emotional quality control on every adult around her.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. Once again you've convinced me that my ideal career path is apparently "accidentally fall in love inside an independent bookstore while eating seasonal pie," and frankly that's becoming a problem for my real-world expectations.

[Liz | lizzuplans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read that did not require that much brainpower.

I liked the seasonal vibes. I liked the various town people.

While officially this can be read as a standalone, it is very clear that the story/stories make more sense and are a lot more fun if you read each book in the series in sequence.

I have read book 1, which was meh to OK. I thought to try this book 5 as an audiobook. Again meh to OK.
Which is sad because I love small town romances and am a big fan of for instance the Laurie Gilmore series.

I did not feel connected to the FMC nor MMC nor their romance. Just two grownups who should have talked to each other instead of hurting the child with abandonment issues..!
Things both went too fast and too slow and I felt there were a bit too many ideas thrown together (saving a book store, historical mystery, moonlighting as a successful author, single dad, having to return to a job, etc.).

We are told – not shown – the two main characters have been pining over each other for weeks but of course will not do anything with those feeling because they are professionals and there is a kid to think of. Two pages later (and also in chapter 3 or something) they are very hot and heavy and this does not let up. Well, it does when the mystery needs to be solved.
The mystery was nice enough but it almost distracted from the (barely there) romance. (Yes, here my review conflicts, but it ties back to the too-many-things-going-on.)

The narrator was good.

Cat Mr Darcy was of course the star of this book and even with this 2 star review, I would love to visit Maple Falls.

Read as an audiobook.

I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute and cozy addition to the Maple Falls series! This is book number five, and I have read every one as an ARC. I’m thankful that Bookouture has given me complimentary copies via NetGalley so I can read them ahead of publication.

I wish it were autumn year-round, but this definitely made me want to act like a basic white girl, grab a PSL, and get a jump on cozy season and all that it offers. 😂🍂

This is one of my favorites in the series so far, and the fall vibes Harper Graham creates are definitely a big part of that. I also really enjoy the single-father trope, as well as a strong woman who has some difficult decisions to make. This installment had a bit more depth to it, in my opinion, as there were many layers beneath the surface that needed to be addressed and untangled.

That being said, while it has some depth, the prose doesn’t necessarily do the heavy lifting. Your imagination needs to take over a bit, but that’s okay. The story moves along at a swift pace, and while there are a few plot holes along the way, they acted more like speed bumps than roadblocks and didn’t impact my enjoyment.

I read the audiobook, which was sweetly narrated by Andi Eloise. I’m such a fan of hers because she always does the characters justice and makes the book come alive.

So, if you’re looking for plenty of autumnal vibes and a Hallmark-esque romance with a little bite and some emotional depth, give this speedy read a try! You’ll fall in love with Maple Falls just like I have.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on August 18th called, The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook. This is about Robyn, she's a teacher at Yale but came to Maple Falls temporarily to help her friend run her bookstore while she's away. Tyler is a single dad who works at the bookstore and despite his best efforts, he is crushing hard on Robyn. And then seeing Robyn interact and bond with his daughter makes him fall even harder, and despite him telling himself he shouldn't because she's only here temporarily, he kisses her. Robyn has been crushing on Tyler as well, so they decide to see where things could go between them, but want to keep their relationship a secret for his daughter's sake until they know if this is something real between them. As the day Robyn is supposed to go back to Yale gets closer, their relationship is getting deeper and now she is torn between going back to her dream job at Yale or staying in Maple Falls to give love a chance.
I absolutely adored this book! This is book 5 in this series, and I was so excited to be back in Maple Falls again, just in time for fall! This was such a sweet small town romance, with friends to lovers, workplace romance, secret relationship, single dad, spice, found family, a mystery to solve, and all the fall vibes! I loved the setting of the Pumpkin Pie Book Nook, a cozy bookstore with a cafe where you can grab a coffee and slice of pumpkin pie to enjoy while browsing the aisles of books, so that's what I tried to portray with my book review pic! I really love this book and this series! I never want it to end! 🧡📚

Thank you to Harper Graham, Bookouture, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook, in exchange for an honest review.

[zeba · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, cozy read that gives you ALL the feels of fall! Harper Graham has created such a charming small-town wonderland, and the atmosphere was absolutely chef’s kiss. The chapters flowed really well, and I especially loved the supporting characters and how much they added to the story.

One storyline that REALLY had me invested was the whole witch-hunt surrounding Isabel, the great-grandmother, and uncovering her story. I was so intrigued by that entire thread! And when the author gave us that little glimpse into what Isabel had written, I was immediately like… WAIT. I WANT MORE!! 😂 I genuinely need to know more about her story. If anyone knows where I can find it, asking for a friend… 👀📖

I did feel a little disconnected from the other couple and some of the recurring characters, but that’s entirely on me because… I made the grave mistake of reading a book from the middle of a series thinking it was a standalone. 😂 So, lesson learned: I definitely need to go back and read the earlier Maple Falls books!

My only tiny drawback? I’m not a pumpkin spice girlie. 😂 The amount of pumpkin spice mentioned throughout the book had me questioning my life choices for a second. Maybe I’ve been wrong all along and I actually need to embrace pumpkin spice season? 🎃☕️

Overall, such a warm, feel-good, cozy autumn read. Perfect for curling up with a blanket and getting lost in a charming little town. 🍂📚

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

[Kassyreadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook

Author: Harper Graham

Synopsis: Robyn’s totally committed to her job teaching literature at Yale. Her recent heartbreak led her to escape to a small-town bookstore. But it’s only temporary, no matter how much she obsesses over its cozy nook for indulging in books and pumpkin pie.... Or Tyler, its dark-haired, smouldering-eyed bookseller with an adorable little girl. NOTHING could keep her from going back to her dream career… right?

Tyler can’t help catching feelings for the cute professor hiding behind big glasses and a secretly steamy book. But watching his daughter Emma, with her pigtails and a serious llama obsession, grow attached to Robyn is a problem he didn’t see coming. Because Robyn is gorgeous, ambitious… and absolutely leaving town. Tyler can’t risk Emma’s heart getting broken, never mind his own…

But the sparks between them become impossible to resist. With Robyn’s return to Yale getting closer and Tyler falling more for her every day, can they walk away from their biggest love story yet?

Review: I loved that this took place during autumn and all of the descriptions really showed it! However, if I didn’t really like the single dad romance! I don’t think they are realistic and I don’t think it’s for me! I also think the romance was a bit too fast and I wished it was a little slower! However, I did enjoy the fact that we got both Robyn and Tyler’s perspectives!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with with this advance reader copy!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A cozy season of change romance with a sweet treasure hunt mystery attached

My Review: The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook by Harper Graham is book #5 in the Maple Falls series. It is described as "A totally cozy and addictive autumn romance." The novel releases on 8/18/26.

About the Book: "He’s a single Dad. Is she his new chapter?"

In My Own Words: A single dad doing life on his own terms and a Yale professor on a time-sensitive mission cross paths and dial up the heat, all while attempting to solve a cute, little mystery.

About the Community & Characters: The Maple Falls community is an enchanting place, to say the least. The people there are colorful, lively, and charming. There is always something going on. I love the way a bit of mystery is weaved into every volume.

In this installment, the featured couple is Robyn and Tyler.

Robyn - >

🎃 - totally committed to her job teaching literature at Yale
🍂 - recent heartbreak
🎃 - escape to a small-town bookstore
🍂 - obsesses over...cozy nook for indulging in books and pumpkin pie
🎃 - viewed as gorgeous and ambitious by Tyler

Tyler - >

🍂 - dark-haired, smoldering-eyed bookseller
🎃 - has an adorable little girl
🍂 - history of heartbreak
🎃 - catches feelings for the cute professor
🍂 - very careful with his heart and his daughter's as well
🎃 - no romantic "relations" for like 5 years or so

About the Chemistry: The chemistry connection between Robyn and Tyler is crazy hot. It is so palpable that it was hard not to sweat watching them fight their feelings. The near touches, the looks, the daydreams, the... (All I'm saying is that you'll see exactly what I mean when you read it/listen to it.)

Bonus: Emma

👧 - cutie pie kiddo with pigtails
🦙 - has a serious llama obsession
❤️‍🩹 - has grown attached to Robyn

About the Conflict: "A high-flying bookaholic with big dreams who can’t stick around. A protective, sexy single dad whose life is in Maple Falls. Right person, wrong timing… or the best plot twist ever?"

About the Immersive Reading/Listening Experience: I was fortunate enough to be able to review the digital ARC and the audio ARC of this novel. I loved absorbing the story in this way. It adds a richness to taking the story action and movement in. My experience was totally positive.

About the Audiobook: The novel was brilliantly narrated by Andi Eloise. Listening to the story brought to life was highly entertaining and completely unputdownable.

[Listed] Tropes:

Fall/Autumn
Bookish
Single Dad
Steamy + cozy
Small-town romance
Workplace romance
Friends to lovers
Spicy

What I Liked/Loved:

🧡 - I think Robyn and Tyler's background stories were interesting and honestly relatable.
🤎 - I loved that Tyler was rightly guarded, especially over his daughter's heart. That revealed a tenderness and care that I consider to be next level.
💛 - I liked the transitory journey of Robyn. She was discovering her new self with her new desires, wants, needs, and interests.
🧡 - I liked the small town busy body yet well meaning presence of the community members.
🤎 - Of course, I loved the mystery adventure. The one thing leads to another clues are my heart language.
💛 - I loved the found family aspect.

My Final Say: I adore this series. Book 5 did not disappoint. It fit right in with books 1-4, and I was not mad about it. I am a sucker for a single dad romance. Adding books, nooks, hooks, and looks into the formula only made this story that much more of a keeper.

Here is the sticky 411 on the Maple Falls series...

Book #1: The Cinnamon Spice Inn - > A second chance, cinnamon twist romance - > 3.5/5
Book #2: The Spiced Cocoa Café - > A love after loss, second chance at life romance - > 4.75/5
Book #3: The Cherry Crush Flower Shop - > A small town cozy, BFF, fake dating romance - > 3.5/5
Book #4: The Hot Honey Hideaway - > A click & stick wo-fi romance with a smidgen of a mystery to go - > 3/5
Book #5: The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook - > A cozy season of change romance with a sweet treasure hunt mystery attached - > 4.5/5

💖 *** Shh... For all my fellow Maple Falls besties, this is what's up: Book #6: The Sugar and Spice Kitchen (Officially releasing on October 22, 2026!) Make plans, people. *** 💖

Other: Readers who enjoy single dad, fall fever, will they-won't they vibes, and adult HEA love stories should like this novel.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Level: 📚🥧🍂🍵🔎🌶️❤️🏡🍁
Format: 📱🎧
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Title: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Bookouture| Bookouture Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC and an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure and a delight to review this novel. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

[Kate]

I know absolutely nothing about these characters, except that she apparently smells like an apple tart and he thinks she’ll taste just as sweet.

We’re dumped into the story several weeks after they’ve already met and established a friendship, so instead of experiencing that connection, we’re simply told it exists. It made the pacing feel off and left me feeling like I’d skipped several chapters.

Then came the insta lust. Good lord, the insta lust. I was doused in it from the start, and honestly, I wanted a shower.

I need more than sugary descriptions and overwhelming sexual attraction to believe two people are falling for each other. Give me chemistry, emotional connection, something to make me root for them.

[Suzi Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎃📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚🎃

The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook
by Harper Graham
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this cozy, heartwarming fall story! 🥰🥰

The characters are fun, creative, believable, and most of all, lovable. Their intertwining dynamics truly made this story emotional for me.

It made me smile, laugh out loud, and cry like a baby—so much that I thought my Kleenex box would run empty! 😂 Happy and sad tears abound…

I hope you’ll read this beautiful small-town story because it will truly fill you with joy and bring in the fall season in such a warm and comforting way. 🍂☕📚

So… Read & Enjoy! 😊😊

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Graham for the ARC!!

[ritα · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was freaking everything!!! I’m obsessed 😩
The autumn vibes, the spice, the small town atmosphere, the found family? Please!! I need to read the rest of this series.
Note that this can be read as a standalone!

I can’t recommend this enough! Oh my goddess, and the CAT?? Hello?? 🥹

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in return for a honest review.

[Brigettha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jill Harper Graham for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re a fan of cozy small-town romances, then this is the book for you.

I really enjoyed this story. It was the perfect mix of small-town charm, heartwarming romance, and lovable characters that made it so easy to settle into. The cozy autumn atmosphere had me wishing I could visit Maple Falls myself, and I loved watching the romance unfold.

This was such a comforting, feel-good read, and I definitely recommend adding it to your autumn TBR if you enjoy sweet romances set in charming small towns.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and cozy fall Romance read! I loved being back in Maple Falls, it gives all the Gilmore Girls vibes! Robyn & Tyler were so cute falling for each other, their love story was definitely a bookworms dream falling in love to the backdrop of the coziest little bookshop! I do wish the ending had lasted a little longer so we could see their HEA play out more, but overall this was an enjoyable read!

🧸📖🕯️🐈‍⬛🍁🎃👻🍂

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘October mornings in the cozy space by the window that had been transformed this fall into the “pumpkin pie book nook.” There, as golden leaves drifted down by the window, generous wedges of pumpkin pie from the local bakery could be slowly enjoyed while customers leafed through books.’

If you’re looking for very strong fall vibes throughout- look no further than this book and it’s gorgeous autumnal cover. I started reading and immediately craved curling up in a cosy corner with a coffee, slice of pie and good book! The author’s descriptions of the book store and town of Maple falls are beautiful and instantly transport you there. This book is set in the lead up to Halloween and it’s a lovely fall read.

There are a few storylines related to the book store and writing running through the story, along with the romance between single dad Tyler and Robyn who is temporarily working at the store following a break up and work sabbatical. There were a few hints in the last book about them getting closer, and this one jumps right into that. I really liked Robyn a lot and for the most part I liked Tyler but later in the book he did frustrate me and I thought Robyn deserved better from him.
I wasn’t totally sold on their chemistry which made the spicier scenes a bit cringe at times and sometimes the romance felt a little forced, but the rest of the story kept me invested.
A nice one to add to your fall TBR!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sam Steffy (bookswithsamiam) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down, the most perfect time to read this one. It scream fall vibes, Gilmore girls, small town, romance with all the heartwarming found family vibes!

[Rebecca Annie · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

⭐ 3.5 Stars
The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook is exactly what I've come to expect from this series: immaculate vibes. Harper Graham never misses when it comes to cozy small-town charm, autumn magic, bookish settings, and a mystery woven alongside the romance. Between the pumpkin treats, Halloween events, crisp fall atmosphere, and the Book Mystery, this felt like the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly autumn day.

I switched between reading and listening to the audiobook, and the narration was fantastic overall, although hearing Tyler's POV through a female narrator occasionally made it tricky to remember whose chapter I was in.

I loved Robyn's backstory, especially her struggle with balancing her identity as a respected Yale professor and her secret career writing spicy romance. The mystery surrounding her great-grandmother's manuscripts added depth to the story and kept me invested throughout. As always, the sense of community in Maple Falls was one of my favourite parts. The found-family feeling and the way previous couples remain part of the story are big reasons I keep coming back to this series.

As for the romance, I enjoyed Robyn and Tyler together and loved how he became such a safe place for her. Their chemistry was undeniable, and some of the spicy scenes were a lot of fun. My biggest issue, though, was how rushed everything felt. We're told their tension has been building for six weeks before the book starts, but we never get to experience those six weeks ourselves. Because of that, the relationship felt very insta-lust heavy, with a lot of meaningful glances and touches but not enough conversations to build a deeper emotional connection.

Even so, this was a warm, comforting, feel-good read filled with cozy autumn vibes, lovable characters, and a charming small-town setting. Was the romance a little rushed? Absolutely. Did the vibes more than make up for it? Also absolutely. Sometimes that's exactly what I'm in the mood for. 🍂🎃📚

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of the Maple Falls series!!

This sounds like the perfect autumn romance to curl up with when you want cozy vibes, small-town charm, books, pumpkins, and plenty of chemistry! 🍂🎃📚

Robyn is a book-loving Yale literature professor whose heart has recently been broken, so she escapes to a quaint small-town bookstore for a temporary change of scenery. She knows she’s going back to Yale and her dream career—no matter how much she falls in love with the cozy bookstore, the pumpkin pie, or the handsome bookseller behind the counter.

Enter Tyler, a protective single dad who has built his life in Maple Falls around his daughter, Emma. He knows Robyn is only passing through, and the last thing he wants is for his daughter—or himself—to become attached to someone who is inevitably going to leave.

Of course, things don’t go quite according to plan.

The chemistry between Robyn and Tyler sounds impossible to ignore, but what makes this romance especially appealing is the emotional connection developing between all three of them. Watching Emma become attached to Robyn adds such a sweet found-family element, while Tyler and Robyn have to figure out whether love is worth changing the plans they had carefully made for themselves.

I absolutely love the cozy atmosphere promised by this story. A charming bookstore, autumn leaves, pumpkin pie, favorite books, a small town, and a smouldering single dad? Yes, please! 🍁 Add in the workplace romance, friends-to-lovers elements, and some spice, and this sounds like an incredibly addictive combination.

The story seems to strike that wonderful balance between cozy and steamy, giving readers all the comforting autumn vibes while still delivering plenty of romantic tension. Robyn and Tyler’s “right person, wrong timing” situation also promises plenty of emotional moments as they try to decide whether they can really walk away from something that feels so right.

If you love bookish heroines, single dads, small-town romance, found family, cozy bookstores, autumn settings, and a healthy dose of spice, this sounds like a must-read.

Grab your favorite blanket and fall drink, settle in, and get ready for a romance that sounds like the literary equivalent of a perfect autumn day. 🍂🎃📚❤️

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.75 rounded up)

This book hits all the right spots: it’s cozy, sweet, charming, engaging, and heart warming. I think I enjoyed it even more than the last one in this series.

I will preface, that I love a good small town, cozy-vibe book. It’s a great love of mine. This one does not disappoint. It made me smile, swoon, yearn, and want more.

I love how the author depicted the anxieties of an author. As a former author myself, I appreciate how she depicted the realistic anxieties of putting yourself out there, the fear of readers not liking your work, the imposter syndrome, and wanting ri separate your private life from the author life. It’s real and nuanced and that’s one thing she got impeccably right.

Our female main character was sweet and devoted. She craves a life of her own that is separate from her one that her parents expected of her. She learns what her heart desires and to put herself first. She’s incredible brave and determined. I loved the addition of the scavenger hunt to find the rest of the book.

Our main male character, has fears and anxieties if his own. He is also strong, but charming and witty. He lives fiercely and strongly and is a great father. He is the epitome of a great book boyfriend.

I appreciated the side characters who always gave a helping hand and comedic relief. The story is so cute with so much richness that you can’t help but fall more in love with thebfown and characters and not want to put the book down.

So thank you to the author for a cozy book done right.

Narration was great. AndI Eloise did this book absolute justice.

Tropes/themes: small town, cozy vibes, workplace romance, second chances, found family, anxiety, fears, following your heart, single dad, family dynamics

Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley!

[Hannah Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an ALC of this book!

Welcome back to Maple Falls! This book is the perfect read as we enter back into another fall season! A love story involving a sweet couple and a library with some hallmark movie comforts?! Sometimes these books can feel rushed with the relationships starting so quickly, but I loved that Robyn and Tyler knew each for a while prior to where this book begins. I loved how protective Tyler was with his boundaries around his daughter and how she would be introduced to this new relationship. It felt very believable and realistic within this storyline. Tyler also was fiercely loyal towards anyone he is committed to. His support of her career was really refreshing and made him likable from the beginning. Robyn on the other hand had quite a bit of change coming for her in this story. New relationship, major career changes from her position at Yale, and deep familial ties that brought her back to Maple Falls which is keeping her from making her next move in life. I love the community aspects in this series as well. I loved how her grandmother set up riddles for her and she had the town involved in this mystery! This was definitely giving Gilmore Girls vibes with some added spice. Andi Eloise is one of my favorite female narrators! She does such a great job introducing characters and pulling the reader into Maple Falls!

#ThePumpkinPieBookNook

[Paige Rothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook was such a cosy, bookish fall romance and honestly, the setting alone made me want to pack a bag and move to Maple Falls.

I loved Robyn as a character. She’s a Yale literature professor, the dependable daughter everyone thinks they know, and secretly a successful spicy romance author writing under a pen name. I really enjoyed that conflict between the life everyone expected her to have and the one she was slowly discovering she actually wanted.

Then we have Tyler: single dad, bookseller and a man willing to have opinions about Wuthering Heights. Naturally, I liked him. 😂 I also loved his daughter Emma and the little family dynamic that developed between the three of them.

My only issue was that I wanted the romance to breathe a little more. Robyn and Tyler had chemistry, but I felt like we moved from attraction to feelings fairly quickly without getting quite enough of the conversations and everyday moments that would have made their relationship hit harder emotionally.

That said, there was so much else to enjoy. The bookstore, small-town community, autumn events, Robyn’s family history, the mystery surrounding her great-grandmother’s writing and, obviously, Mr. Darcy the cat.

A really sweet seasonal romance for anyone craving cosy fall vibes, books, found family and a little spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Bookdragon_enchantress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review:

This book made me laugh, cry, say “oh my”, and kick my feet with giddiness.
I always love returning to Maple Falls and this addition did not disappoint.
For every woman who has wanted to run away and run a bookstore.
For every people pleasing child who grew up doing exactly what they were told.
For anyone who just needs a cozy autumn book to curl up with and feel all the feels.
This book is for you! Don’t miss out.
Fall in love with Maple Falls like I did.

Robyn had a wonderful life, the life expected of her. She’d gone to the right school, had a great job, did everything asked of her. But something was missing. In her life, in her soul really.
So she decided to make a change. Took a sabbatical, and took over her friend’s bookstore in the small town she spent childhood summers at. What she didn’t could on was Tyler. The adorable single dad who works along side her.
Now this small town has banded together to solve a mystery set by her great grandmother involving a love story she wrote.
Join the adventure, as this tenacious book club pushes a type-A woman to her limits. As she tries to balance her heart, parental expectations, a career, a store she loves, a town wide mystery… oh and her friend is selling the bookstore!

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.


After heartbreak sends Robyn to Maple Falls, she finds herself working in the cosiest little bookstore—and growing closer to Tyler, its protective single-dad owner.

The autumn atmosphere and bookshop setting were easily my favourite parts. Between the cute fall drinks, pumpkin-filled charm and cosy reading corners, this is the kind of story that makes you want to curl up beneath a blanket with a coffee and pretend it is permanently October.

I also loved the storyline surrounding Robyn’s grandmother and her writing—it added another lovely bookish layer to the story. Robyn’s character growth was equally enjoyable, especially as she began questioning whether the future she had carefully planned was still the one she truly wanted.

The story is fairly predictable, and I would have liked more depth and chemistry between Robyn and Tyler. However, things certainly become rather… spicy once they get going—definitely not just pumpkin spice! 😂

Overall, this was a warm, comforting and enjoyable small-town romance with plenty of autumn charm and some decidedly grown-up reading material.