The Pumpkin Patch Problem

by Amy Rafferty

Coming soon...

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.

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Reviews

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait until you get into this most recent Pumpkin Patch book. It is stupendous to uncover all the mystery into their legacy, finding more secrets hidden in the briar patch. Help comes to uncover these destructive turns and begins to find a budding relationship. Our sisters persue the truth of full ownership, and also to save their family pumpkin patch farm. Many complexities leading to a bit of light ahead. Amy is doing another fabulous job on her current writing.

[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.

[Linda 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

[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.

[Vickie Moore]

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

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming series. Your heart swells for Junie and Micah.