With her life falling apart around her, Courtney Berrycloth decides she needs a break from the rush of big city living –and men. Desperate for some R&R, Courtney gives in to mysterious emails that lead her to the quiet, picturesque town of Havenwood, Massachusetts.
Upon arriving in the sleepy New England town, Courtney gives herself one no romance. However, her plan quickly begins to crumble when she meets Havenwood’s heartthrob Mayor, Finn Abernathy. But, as she begins to uncover Havenwood’s secrets, dating may prove to be the least of her problems.
Finn Abernathy never thought he’d have to resort to these methods when he was elected mayor of Havenwood. He also didn’t know how dire the town’s situation would become. The mayor has one last shot at revitalizing his town but with time running out, he’ll have to choose between the girl of his dreams and saving his home town. What’s worse is he only has until Halloween to decide.
Prepare to be bewitched in this cozy, fall-inspired romance full of found family, mystery, and secrets!
Havenwood felt like more than just a setting—it became part of the story. Watching this struggling little town slowly come back to life and seeing Courtney fall in love with it made me want to be there right alongside her.
I loved the connections even more. The romance was only one piece of it. The friendships, family relationships, townspeople, and the found family Courtney built gave the story so much heart. By the end, I wasn’t only invested in Courtney and Finn; I was invested in Havenwood and the people who made it home.
And I absolutely loved the story inside the story. Learning about Martha and the Berrycloth women added another layer to everything happening in the present. Watching pieces of the past slowly connect to Courtney’s story made Havenwood feel like it had existed long before we arrived there, and Martha’s final appearance brought that part of the story full circle beautifully.
Courtney did frustrate me at times. Some of her dialogue and behavior felt much younger than twenty-eight, and there were choices throughout the book that didn’t completely work for me. But those issues never outweighed how much I enjoyed the story overall.
I really appreciated the normally dreaded 3rd act breakup. Courtney had every reason to feel betrayed and needed distance to heal and decide what she actually wanted. But she didn’t punish the town because she was hurting. She still published the guide she’d promised Havenwood and helped the town succeed even while staying away. Then, when she was ready, she came back.
She returned knowing the truth and chose Havenwood, the family she’d found there, and Finn for herself.
The ending gave me exactly the emotional payoff I wanted—the bookstore, the town thriving, the found family still together, Martha, and an epilogue that showed these characters continuing to build the lives they’d fought for.
And Olive the attic bat obviously gets five stars. 🦇
Havenwood was atmospheric, emotional, messy in places, and full of love. More than anything, it was a story about finding home, finding your people, and realizing that sometimes you get to rewrite your own story too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Cutie small town romance with some witchy/paranormal elements. Finn & Courtney were just a little too intense with their instalust for me, and the miscommunication drove me insane!! I also felt like some plot points were overly dragged out, and some weren’t explained enough.. but overall the book was fun!
The most cozy, spicy, fall read ever! This book felt like a warm oat milk chai, a cozy sweater, and some fuzzy socks. Petition for all of us to create a town just like Havenwood because it has the PERFECT vibes. Between the fall vibes, small town feel and overall amazing people of Havenwood I am obsessed! I loved meeting all of our characters and enjoyed getting to know them. Often in romance books I am strictly focused on our two main characters but in this I couldn’t wait to see glimpses of all of the characters because I loved them all! Courtney and Finn, where do I even begin. They are so flawed, but so perfect for each other. They both have their trauma that’s discussed, and there is some miscommunication that takes place, but the love they share is so pure. I love them so much and could read even more about them and their daily lives in Havenwood. I also must mention Olive the bat, 5 stars immediately just for her. I love a good little unexpected pet. I also loved that there was an unexpected supernatural element in this book, but won’t go further to avoid spoilers. Everyone need to pick this one up ASAP for the most perfect fall vibes!
Welcome to Havenwood - a small town in Massachusetts.
When Courtney moves to Havenwood she doesn’t expect to meet and fall for Finn, the small town Mayor, but what brought her to this small town, and could the truth threaten her future?
There is also a thread of folklore and magic - is Courtney related to a town Witch from centuries before and could this save the struggling towns’ fortunes? With a warm hug of characters that feels like a Gilmore Girls vibe, you can’t help but fall for this spicy small town romance.
Many thanks to @authorkatherinebelle for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
Thank you to Katherine Fae Belle for picking me as an ARC reader! This book had me in all the feels! It had all the wonderful cozy fall vibes mixed with your Salem Witch Trials mystery. I absolutely loved Courtney and Finn! They had all the chemistry and I loved their build up. I also loved to hate Starr! I really have no idea what Finn saw in her. This book gave me the Scooby Doo and the Witches Ghost vibes and I was here for it!!
I was dying for Finn to tell her he was the reason she brought her to town. I was glad Milo was the one to tell her instead of Starr however I wanted Finn too. I was very disappointed Finn didn’t tell her in those 3 days let alone the two months. I feel like she would have understood a little more had he come out with it than her reflecting for those 3 days and talking Elsie and seeing all the holes. I understood why she needed to go home and get back to her normal and heal! I loved that the author included there are no perfect men Finn didn’t know how to handle Starr who was childish and immature and he definitely couldn’t handle courtney who knew who she was and what she wanted especially after Carter. I love that courtney got her revenge on him. I also appreciated Starrs maturity at the end of the book however I would have been fine without her all together. Exes should be in the past!!
The ending was so cute! I loved that she planned the opening of her bookstore and returning to Havenwood with Elsie and got to surprise Finn! This book was such a fun fall read! I loved the witchy themes and how Martha seemed to guide Courtney at times! I was very happy Martha got her retribution and a tribute in her town! I loved that Courtney ended up in Havenwood! Her ancestor would be happy that she single handler turned the town around. It was fitting her guidebook turned people to it instead of Finn and Milo’s plan working! The lessons in this book were great! Finn and Courtney both learned from their mistakes and grew in their short time apart and came back even better! I loved their Happily Ever After!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy! Havenwood is a heartwarming, feel-good, spicy romance with bits of supernatural sprinkled in. I loved experiencing Courtney's journey from LA with her initial heartbreak (Carter when I catch you -), to moving to Havenwood, to meeting everyone in town, and finding her found family. As soon as Courtney arrived at Havenwood, I could feel the cozy, close-knit community vibes immediately. The author's descrption of the town made it easy to visualize Havenwood in my head as Courtney walked down the streets, smelled the aromas from Agnes' bakery, and got her usual oat milk latte at Mystic Brew. The chemistry between Finn and Courtney felt very insta-spark, but the genuineness of their feelings for each other are delved deeper with the plot. A mayor who's hot, young, chivalrous yet knows his way in the sheets - phew! It got quite hot in here! He isn't just a hunk of meat with a brain, either; we get to learn of Finn's heart and his love for his town. The supernatural parts of the book, and a part in the end where she goes on a short but heart-pounding adventure, had me at the edge of my seat. I loved these aspects of the book the most. The book was not saturated with spooky parts, but when the supernatural elements are mentioned, they don't seem unrealistic or too over-the-top. It was a perfect balance with learning the history of the town, navigating Courtney's relationships with not just Finn but also everyone else in Havenwood, and seeing Courtney learn who she is, who she can be, and what she decides for her life. I didn't want to leave Havenwood when I finished the book!
This was such a cute, cozy read for the fall season! Between the small-town New England setting, Halloween vibes, found family, and a little mystery sprinkled in, this story was perfect for getting me into that autumn reading mood.
Courtney heading to Havenwood for some much-needed peace and quiet, only to find herself drawn to the town’s heartthrob mayor, Finn, was such a fun setup. Of course, things can't just be simple when there are secrets to uncover and a whole town depending on one man to save it. Add in the romance and the Halloween deadline, and I was ready to see how everything would play out.
I really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and the way the mystery added something extra to the romance. It had that charming small-town feel that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a warm drink, and a good book while the leaves fall outside.
Overall, this was a sweet, seasonal read that gave me exactly the cozy fall vibes I was looking for. If you're in the mood for small-town romance, found family, Halloween magic, and a few secrets along the way, this one is worth adding to your autumn TBR!
Havenwood by Katherine Fae Belle was a book that is very light to read. I really loved the premise of the book. The story is about Courtney who found herself in Havenwood where Finn was the mayor. The build up and the chemistry between them is present.
I really loved how Courtney being in Havenwood wasnt a coincidence but rather a carefully thought of plan made by Finn to save the town he loved. It was really obvious that when he did, he didnt account that it would be courtney and that he would fell for her. I was really dying for most part for Finn to come clean to her and tell her about his secret. Another thing I loved was how all characters have their own flaws and none of them are perfect.
Overall, I really loved the vibe of the story. It's a cozy read perfect for the fall season. The small town element, the romance and the mystery thrown in was amazing for me. Many thanks to Katherine for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are mine.
Havenwood was such a fun, fall-coded read! I loved the idea of a small New England town losing visitors because the highway takes everyone straight to Salem, leaving Havenwood in need of a little saving. When an opportunity comes along to bring some life back to the town, Mayor Finn Abernathy gets a little more than he bargained for when Courtney arrives looking for a fresh start of her own. The town was easily one of my favorite parts. It has that cozy, autumn atmosphere with just enough Salem-inspired charm and mystery to make me want to pack my bags, grab a pumpkin coffee, and move right in. I enjoyed the characters and the romance, too! Overall, Havenwood was a charming, easy read that gave me exactly the fall vibes I was looking for. If you're in the mood for a small-town romance with autumn charm, a little mystery, and a touch of Salem magic, this is a fun one to add to your fall TBR.
With her life falling apart around her, Courtney Berrycloth decides she needs a break from the rush of big city living –and men. Desperate for some R&R, Courtney gives in to mysterious emails that lead her to the quiet, picturesque town of Havenwood, Massachusetts.
1st off...Massachusetts 🍁 is one of my FAVORITE states ever, and the fact that this cozy/spooky 🧙🏻 /adorable story takes place there...won me over!!
You know of the morally grey creepy stalker types and where they fit in 🤤 buuuuuut what about the Golden Retriever type that lures a woman to town under false pretenses? Just as hot right?
And Olive? Straight up LOVE!!! 🦇
This book had so many adorable scenes...I was absolutely rolling 🤣 during the ghost 👻 story!!
If you're in need of a light hearted spooky fall read, do yourself a favor and read Havenwood!!!
Are you looking for a cozy fall romance, light supernatural elements, and definite Stars Hollow vibes?
Follow our FMC, Courtney, to Havenwood where she plans to wait out her screenwriter guild strike and enjoy a slowdown from the LA hustle in this small New England town. She finds new friends, new love, and a town mystery - but can it last?
This is a lighthearted read where you are getting the inner turmoil and angst of Courtney and Finn in a dual POV. They have their obstacles (sideyes Finn) and Courtney needs to get to a place where she is healed from past hurts - but they get there in the end 🥰
With her life falling apart, Courtney Berrycloth decidEs she needs a break from her hectic city life and from men. Desperate for some much needed R&R Courtney gives into a mysterious email that leads her to havenwood, Massachusetts.
Reasons to read: Paranormal activity 👻 A sassy bat named olive 🦇 A cute town in fall 🍁🎃🍂
THis cozy fall romance is such a sweet story! If you're in the mood for a cute but slightly spooky 👻 story then Havenwood is for you! I loved the development of Courtney and Finns relationship, and how the whole town became Courtney's found family. This was a great read to start off the spooky season!
I really enjoyed this cozy, small town fall romance, with some spooky vibes sprinkled in.
When they say get you a man who can do both, they mean get you a Finn Abernathy! I loved getting to see both sides, Mayor Abernathy of Havenwood and the dirty talking Finn who was completely in love with Courtney. I wish he wasn't keeping a secret but that's all part of the plot, right? There were times I was screaming at Courtney because I wanted her to trust her instincts, but I also appreciated how she handled Starr and how she could give Martha closure. I also loved the side characters and the little easter egg the author dropped about the couple we'll get to see in book two.
I JUST finished my ARC of Havenwood and OMG… I’m obsessed!!!
This was such a cute, cozy small town romance, but what really pulled me in was the mystery + romance + found family! Add in all the fall vibes and a little bit of witchy magic, and it was honestly PERFECT for the season. It was cozy, intriguing, romantic, and had just the right amount of mystery to keep me hooked!
I absolutely loved this one and would definitely recommend it!
I received an advance copy of the book from the author.
I enjoyed this book - New England during fall with some Salem rivalry. The characters sound like people I could be friends with in real life. I hope there is a sequel because it would be fun to revisit Havenwood from some other perspectives.
Read this if you want to want to travel to a New England town in October with some supernatural influence.
I loved the romcom with a twist of paranormal and a sprinkle of spicy! Both MCs have an instant attraction and the connection is wrote so well. It’s the perfect book for the spooky season.
Favorite tropes: Cozy small town Instant attraction Found family Paranormal
I loved the romcom with a twist of paranormal and a sprinkle of spicy! Both MCs have an instant attraction and the connection is wrote so well. It’s the perfect book for the spooky season.
Favorite tropes: Cozy small town Instant attraction Found family Paranormal
This was a great fall romance. There is some miscommunication or lack of communication about the reason the FMC was invited but it was handled well. I love how cozy it felt when I read this book. Small town, leaves falling.
Very cozy, romantic, and absolutely interesting. I’m excited to follow along this author’s future works!
Grab a warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and enjoy this wonderful story!
This town, Havenwood, has the most amazing and uplifting vibes! I wish it was real, now I want to move here!
Courtney and Finn are so cute. There’s a bit of miscommunication which was my only issue because I get SO nervous while reading, but it was resolved quickly and it was worth it!
There’s some paranormal elements which was just so good, and some cute friends (🦇) along the way 😉
As a girl who mostly reads dark romance I wanted to try something new. This rom-com with secrets and witchy vibes sounded like just the thing! I absolutely loved the found family and small town vibes.
Unfortunately this story just wasn’t for me. I hope the next reader will love it! Who knows maybe one day this will change for me. I am a re-reader after all. 🤷♀️