The Pumpkin Patch Problem

by Amy Rafferty

One pumpkin patch. Four sisters. And the secret their mother risked everything to keep.

Juniper "Junie" Mercer never left Harvest Hollow. While her sisters built lives somewhere else, Junie stayed. She ran the family farm stand, raised her two children alone after she lost her husband, and became the person half the town leaned on. So when the second autumn of Rosalind's will falls to her, Junie is sure of one her season will be the easy one. She could run this farm in her sleep.

Then the county sends Micah Oswald to survey the land discrepancy. He's a threat to everything her family built, but he's also the first person in years who looks past the endless meals and favors to the woman underneath.

Because there's a difference between being needed and being wanted. And Junie hasn't let herself be wanted in a long time.

The deeper they dig into altered deeds and forged signatures, the clearer it becomes that there’s far more at stake than a crooked boundary line. What was Rosalind hiding all those years? And what if bringing it into the light could unravel lives rebuilt in Harvest Hollow long ago?

Junie has spent a lifetime looking after everyone else. This autumn, with her hands full of everything from farm ledgers to lantern strings, someone finally asks the what does she want?

And the answer might be everything she stopped letting herself hope for.

The Pumpkin Patch Problem is the second book in a sweet, clean cozy autumn series brimming with later-in-life romance, small-town warmth, sisterhood, and a family mystery that unfolds across four seasons.

Curl up with the Marchetti sisters tonight and immerse yourself in a town that feels like home.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2026

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie is the sister that stayed behind in Harvest Hollow while the others moved away , she raised her children on her own after loosing her husband and she ran the farm stand .

When her mother Rosalind died there was a clause in her will stating that the farm couldn’t be sold until each of the sisters had a turn running the farm for an autumn. Dahlia as the eldest had the first season and managed to stabilise the farm’s finances and decided to stay on in Harvest Hollow and not head back to the city 🥰 now it’s Junie’s season and we’ve got Dahlia and Be Jett’s winter wedding coming up 🥰 and we still have the mystery of the additional acres to solve 🫢🤔

Dahlia hasn’t given up on her spreadsheets though🤣Junie is so fiercely independent and won’t easily take help offered 😱

We also meet Micah who has to review the property and one can feel the tension …also fall tourist season has started and this is a busy time for them 🫣 Junie ‘s hackles are up but bless his heart, Micah is a patient man . He sees something in Junie that pulls at his heartstrings ,, he admires her strength and determination, he’s not a callous man but he’s also got a job to do and we all get a bit nervous Sam Hollis starts showing an interest and I’ll give it to Micah he’s really taking Junie into consideration here 🤗

They mystery around the extra acerage is consuming and Rosalind must’ve had a very good reason for going about it the way she did and I appreciate that Micah doesn’t throw her to the wolves but stands by her and tries to solve the mystery while honouring Rosalind’s memory and legacy but still remaining true to himself , Junie begins to thaw towards Micah but he’s been looking at her with different eyes for a long time and he’s also had his fair share of heartache and no sooner has she thawed and something beautiful start blooming between them 🥰 Micah stays strong even when the going gets tough, he’s a good and honest man 🤗

We get to meet Ruth and the mystery behind the land starts unravelling and I’m sobbing I knew Rosalind’s intentions were good and despite the girls ( especially Junie) feeling it was a betrayal it was simply a mother protecting her loved ones and Junie has great kids 🤗she just needs to realise she doesn’t have to carry the load on her own ….Micha and Junie deserve their HEA , he really wants to walk beside her , not lead her 🤗

There’s been growth for each sister so far and it’s beautiful to watch and be a part of , I’m so excited to see what’s in store for the other 2 sisters 📚❣️🫢

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Patch Problem is a heartwarming and engaging addition to Amy Rafferty's Fall at Harvest Hollow series. Centered on Juniper "Junie" Mercer, the story beautifully combines small-town charm, family secrets, and a touching later-in-life romance. As Junie takes her turn managing the family farm according to her mother's will, she expects a straightforward season. Instead, a land dispute and long-buried family mysteries lead her on an emotional journey of self-discovery and healing. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its relatable protagonist. Junie has spent years caring for others, often putting her own needs and dreams aside. Watching her gradually open her heart to new possibilities, particularly through her growing relationship with Micah Oswald, is both inspiring and satisfying. The romance develops naturally and complements the larger story without overshadowing the family mystery. The mystery surrounding the Mercer family's property and Rosalind's hidden secrets adds depth and intrigue. Rafferty skillfully balances suspense with emotional storytelling, keeping readers invested in both the unfolding investigation and the personal growth of the characters. The cozy autumn setting, complete with farm stands, pumpkin patches, and community traditions, creates a warm atmosphere that makes Harvest Hollow feel like a place readers would love to visit.

Fans of clean romance, family sagas, and small-town fiction will find much to enjoy in this novel. The themes of second chances, sisterhood, love, and resilience are woven together beautifully, making this a comforting and memorable read. Amy Rafferty's storytelling shines through her authentic characters and heartfelt emotions, creating a book that is difficult to put down.

I highly recommend reading The Pumpkin Patch Problem. Amy Rafferty is an extraordinary author whose talent for creating warm, uplifting stories and unforgettable characters makes this book a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys heartwarming fiction.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, the mystery continues as to the boundaries of the farm and the secrets that farm and their mother held from her daughters is revealed. The H is the county auditor who comes to survey the boundary lines of one side of the farm. It was triggered when the sister reported property not on the tax roles. The h, the oldest of the sisters, has worked on the farm since her husband died in a farm accident. She views herself as only having value if she taking care of others and taking complete responsibility for the farm. When the H and h meet she views him as the enemy who has come to take something that is rightfully hers and her sisters. The H really only wants to help them, to determine the true property line and correct the county tax records. The H persistently returns to help the h with the problem and support her as they discover discrepancies and mystery. They grow closer and develop a relationship. They find answers to the mysteries they have found and reasons for her mother’s actions. Then the h breaks their relationship off out of fear. Her family then steps in to convince her that she doesn’t have to do everything, that they are there to help her. She finally realizes what she has done, steps back from work and mends her relationship with the H. The H convinces her that he is there for her and that they will face everything together. They and the sisters have more questions to get answers to in order to solve the true boundaries of their farm. Recommend that you get this book and follow along with mysteries hidden by their mother and others for the safety of a few. Come back again in next book to get more answers and enjoy the trip. Enjoy.

[Sheri Jelinek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.

A cozy, heartfelt later‑in‑life romance wrapped in small‑town warmth, sisterhood, and an autumn mystery that deepens the magic of Harvest Hollow.

Amy Rafferty delivers another beautifully tender installment in the Fall at Harvest Hollow series, this time following Juniper “Junie” Mercer—the sister who never left. Junie has spent her life holding Harvest Hollow together: running the farm stand, raising her kids alone, and becoming the dependable woman everyone turns to. So when her season of Rosalind’s will arrives, she assumes it will be simple. She knows this land better than anyone.
But then Micah Oswald shows up.

Micah is supposed to be a threat—a county surveyor investigating a land discrepancy that could unravel everything Junie’s family built. Instead, he becomes the first person in years to truly see her. Their connection is soft, slow, and deeply emotional, exploring the difference between being needed and being wanted, and how terrifying—and beautiful—it can be to let yourself hope again.

As they dig into altered deeds, forged signatures, and Rosalind’s long‑buried secrets, the stakes rise far beyond a crooked boundary line. The mystery threads through the town’s history, revealing truths that could shift lives rebuilt long ago. And in the middle of it all, Junie finally faces the question she’s avoided for decades: What does she want?

Warm, clean, and full of autumn charm, The Pumpkin Patch Problem is a gorgeous 4.5‑star read for fans of small‑town coziness, sisterhood, and later‑in‑life love stories that feel both healing and hopeful.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series focuses on the second sister Junie. It is Junie's turn to run the harvest which she actually has done for years. She's a widow, raising her two children on the farm, helping her mother run the farm. When her husband died, she threw herself into the farm, running it and catering to everyone else's needs to channel her grief. So this harvest, according to her mother's will is her turn to run the harvest. But thrown into the mix is that Dahlia, the older sister had questioned six acres in the back that seemed to be undocumented. This sent Micah Oswald, County Auditor to check out the boundaries and straighten out the problem. The girls' godmother, Nell warns the girls to let things be. Why? What secrets is she holding back. When while clearing the acres, Junie and Micah come across the remnants of what seemed to be a small cottage with a nameplate from a mailbox with some names on it. Now there is another mystery far deeper than the undocumented land. With Micah's help, they dig into records. What did her mother hide? What does Nell know? The closer Micah and Junie work together, the more there appears to be a spark brewing. Will Junie unlock her heart and open up herself to living life besides the running of the farm? This is a great addition of the story of the second sister. I can't wait to read the next book! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and entertaining addition to the Harvest Hollow series! The story revolves around Junie, the second oldest Marchetti sister. Her husband, Thomas, died twenty-four years ago in a mill accident, and she was left to raise their two children and help her mother on the farm. Junie has carried the load for everyone else on the farm for so long that she doesn't want to delegate farm tasks to anyone else. It is her turn to manage the farm for a year. When county auditor, Micah Oswald, shows up at the farm, she is suspicious of him. She eventually comes to trust him, and together they discover what the mysterious six unaccounted for acres on the farm mean. It was a closely guarded secret held by her mother. Junie and Micah develop a romantic relationship. Can their romance withstand any other secrets they may uncover during the course of their investigation into the secrets her mother guarded? Find out the answer by reading this unputdownable book, which I highly recommend to other mystery/romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet, clean, small town, second chance, later-in-life, sisterhood romance with a cozy mystery.

Some of the lines I really like --- "I’ve found that the truth has a way of coming to light, even when we spend our lives trying to keep it in the dark." --- "Real respect means facing the hard realities together, not choosing a convenient lie to avoid a temporary storm." ---

What does Eleanor (Nell) know? What records and documents must be protected at all costs? What's Sam Hollis up to? Who lived on the hidden 6 acres? Why is there no record? Who is Hannah Hillion? Who lived at 17 Hollow Road? Who's Ruth Dwyer?

Some questions will be answered and other questions will be answered in books 3 or 4.

I loved Dahlia and Becket, Junie and Micah's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read "The Pumpkin Patch Puzzle" Book 3.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a new series. The story has gotten even more interesting. More of the mystery is revealed and each answer or reveal left me with more questions and curiosity. This time it’s Junie’s turn to run the harvest season is told from Junie and Micah’s POV. They both have ideas about how much a person should carry, with Junie it’s feeling like she has to carry the weight of the world and Micah being so honest and straightforward because he has seen what can happen when a person tries to go it alone.
As the sisters deal with the fallout of their Mama’s death they realize they didn’t know as much as they thought they did and find new perspective.
A true beautiful story that I believe will only get better.
Amy is on top of my “if she writes it I’m in” list.
The thoughts are my own. I was blessed with an ARC of this book

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE PUMPKIN PATCH PROBLEM by Amy Rafferty is a sweet, clean, later-in-life romance about finding sanctuary and trust in the midst of buried secrets, land disputes, and mysterious happenings.

The story centers around a strong-willed woman who mistakenly believes that her worth is measured by her usefulness and sacrifice; and the gentle, patient man who wants to support and come along side her - helping her realize that she doesn’t have to earn her place at the table.

We also learn that sometimes sanctuary is a bridge to a new life elsewhere and sometimes sanctuary becomes the destination itself. Many mysteries remain.
I was part of an advanced reader team and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity by the author to read an arc of the second installment in the Fall at Harvest Hollow series, in return for an honest review.

Four sisters are forced by their mother’s will to try and save their ancestral farm. Little do they know that there is more than meets the eye. Where the first book focussed on eldest sister Dahlia, this book deals with Juniper who delves into her deceased mother’s papers.

The interactions between the sisters, as well as between Juniper and her friend are noteworthy. I loved the storyline.
Yet again, a well-deserved 5 stars for this author!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie was the daughter that stayed on the farm. She ran the farm with her mother. After her husband died and left her with two children to raise, she poured herself into the farm, believing that was what made her worthy.

This is her year to be in charge and she’s up for the task, until she isn’t. Micha, the county accessor comes along right as the festival is getting into full swing. He’s there to follow up on the 6 acres and get the records corrected as to who the owner is, and he’s very persistent.

Will Micha figure it all out? Will Junie? What do they find when they go digging?

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see what else they uncover.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Patch Problem book two of the Fall at Harvest Hollow by Amy Rafferty takes us back to the next harvest where this time Junie is in charge of the harvest.

Junie is a strong, self-reliant, determined woman and has been running things for years as a widow and has set out to prove to everyone...... She Can Do It!  We can clearly see her strength and determination through the pages of this story.

We are building on the mysteries from book one this time with boundary lines and a newly discovered address and people from the past that no one seems to know who they are or where they came from?

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building trust.

A delightful, touching story as Junie and Micah review documents relating to Junie's family farm.  Junie has a strong sense of purpose and dedication to the preserving the family farm after running it for decades.  Given her independent nature and life challenges, she has a hard time letting go and building trust.  I love Junie's story and highly recommend this book and series to others. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem at the pumpkin patch could change the future of the farm. It’s full of mystery concerning the legacy their mother built. As a county official investigates he discovers more than a discrepancy in the property lines, he uncovers a secret so deeply buried in order to protect. Juniper, Junie has been the overseer for years and kept the farm running by sacrificing her happiness. Can they protect the family and their heritage. Eventually they will find themselves in the midst of a new life. Such an interesting and unique story.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Patch Problem, Book 2, focuses on Junie, the widowed single parent mom, who stayed home to help her mother run the farm. Her sad past is shared which explains the burdens of responsibility she has had to independently carry. Micah, a land auditor and surveyor, helps her to uncover one of her mother's secrets. This heartfelt book explains Junie's resistance to change and trust issues as well as providing the opportunity to accept a second chance to love.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tina Birkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie is 2nd in line to run the farm during harvest season and since she has been the only sister on the farm long term, she feels a great need to be totally in charge. Along comes Micah, the county auditor to investigate those mysterious 6 acres not on the map. As Junie struggles to hold down the fort, they find that her mother had many secrets and they discover several women who inhabited that property. Junie & Micah come together in a blossoming relationship to solve the mystery. A great read! Can't wait for the next story@

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC.

This is Julie’s season to run the orchard. She’s feels like she needs to do everything on her own and hide the truth until after harvest season. Micah is from the town trying to find out who owns seventeen hollow road and figure out the deeds that don’t match up. He wants a relationship built on honesty and partnership. Will Julie be able to let herself be loved for the woman she is today.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Junie's turn to run the Fall Season for the Farm. Junie has been doing it alone for 20 years , since her young husband died. She doesn't know how to ask for HELP. But, besides the Fall Season, the 6 acres that Dahlia found last season must be explained to the authorities. Who will help, and what will they find that their mother was hiding?
Another Great read Amy. I loved it!
This is an ARC and my honest review.

[Doris Abramson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this title! Book one in the series provided an overview of the characters--and the continuation in this book provided more development of one of the characters while also continuing the main story line. With a title that involves love, creative and quirky characters as well as a bit of mystery is definitely a home run with me!
Start the series--you will definitely not be disappointed (aside from eagerly awaiting for the next one!)

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junie is beginning to understand that she doesn't have to carry the weight of the farm by herself. While the quarter belongs to her according to the will, she's surrounded by people willing to help. The mystery continues to deepen, and Micah becomes an important part of putting the puzzle pieces together. This series has completely captured my heart. The characters feel like friends, the town is full of warmth and support, and each book leaves me eager for the next. Truly addictive!

[Linda Ann Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series is Junie’s story, and her turn to be in charge of the Fall season at Pumpkin Patch Farm. She’s actually been doing so for the past twenty four years, apart from last year when Rosalyn’s Will stated that Dahlia should run the Fall season. Junie struggles to ask for help, as she’s been alone so long since her young husband died. There’s a mystery about 6 acres on the Farm, enter Micah…! Recommend
Looking forward to Book 3

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writing and entertaining storytelling! The pumpkin farm is the perfect setting for all things fall/autumn and sweater weather, so cozy. These characters already feel like family and I loved how strong and dedicated Junie was to everything and everyone. There is so much to love about this sweet series. I highly recommend, I can't wait for book 3!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Patch Problem

This was a very interesting mystery read. I was hooked and absolutely love the strong women characters. When part of the mystery gets solved the next dot leads to the next clue to the mystery. I think I have a good idea what this mystery is leading to but I can't spoil it for you or me. Enjoy this mystery fall read.

[Vickie Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story. Micah and Junie’s relationship was built on honesty. I loved this story! Can’t wait for the next one. I received a free ARC and I am leaving my honest review. I can’t wait for Teddy’s story.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a awesome story about Junie and Micah the tax auditor and the mysteries of the farm and what went on years ago and trying to figure things out and romance happening with Junie and Micah and trying to keep the farm. Thank you for this marvelous story.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a perfect fall story. It is Junie turn to run the Harvest. More secrets come to light and there is still so much more to find out!!!! I love the family and community bonds thru this whole series! I want to visit the farm!!!!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Answers

We don't know everything but we are finding out more about what happened 40 years ago.

Great story. Loving the character interactions and Junie finding someone to help her to navigate things.

More questions. But some answers.

[Denise Rethamel · Rating 1.25 out of 5]

Cheesy. Terrible writing. There is so much repeating that it is very annoying. And, they STILL have not opened the cupboard, nor do we know the secret. I'm done with this series. I cannot take another one.

[Diann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pumpkin Patch Probkem

This time it is Julie' s turn to run the farm for the fall harvest. Micah the country assessor has to figure out the 6 acres. Now it is June's turn to find love.

[Vickie Moore]

A story about mysteries from past A sweet love develops between Junie and Micah.