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Rosetown Small Town Romance #2
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things
A single mom. A ridiculously charming distraction. And a small town that desperately needs to mind its own business.
Olivia has enough on her plate.
She’s twenty-three, raising her six-year-old daughter, working at the town’s beloved pâtisserie, and trying to keep her life together one pastry box at a time. Rosetown has all the autumn charm of a Gilmore Girls episode—quirky neighbors, small-town gossip, community events, and far too many people invested in everyone else’s business.
The last thing Olivia is looking for is romance.
Then Riley shows up.
He’s charming. Annoyingly confident. And somehow, despite Olivia’s best efforts to keep her life uncomplicated, he has her heart skipping one too many beats.
There’s just one little problem: Riley remembers Olivia from years ago. Olivia doesn’t remember him.
Between pumpkin festivals, bake-off disasters, runaway decorations, and a town full of people who seem to have nothing better to do than watch her love life unfold, Olivia is finding it increasingly difficult to ignore the feelings Riley brings out in her.
A cozy, funny, closed-door small-town romance filled with autumn vibes, playful banter, family, friendship, and enough chemistry to make your heart race.
Olivia has enough on her plate.
She’s twenty-three, raising her six-year-old daughter, working at the town’s beloved pâtisserie, and trying to keep her life together one pastry box at a time. Rosetown has all the autumn charm of a Gilmore Girls episode—quirky neighbors, small-town gossip, community events, and far too many people invested in everyone else’s business.
The last thing Olivia is looking for is romance.
Then Riley shows up.
He’s charming. Annoyingly confident. And somehow, despite Olivia’s best efforts to keep her life uncomplicated, he has her heart skipping one too many beats.
There’s just one little problem: Riley remembers Olivia from years ago. Olivia doesn’t remember him.
Between pumpkin festivals, bake-off disasters, runaway decorations, and a town full of people who seem to have nothing better to do than watch her love life unfold, Olivia is finding it increasingly difficult to ignore the feelings Riley brings out in her.
A cozy, funny, closed-door small-town romance filled with autumn vibes, playful banter, family, friendship, and enough chemistry to make your heart race.
- GenresRomance
341 pages, ebook
Published November 2, 2026
About the author
Zøe Haslie
4 books79 followersZøe has been immersed in stories for as long as she can remember. Raised in a warm, book-filled home, she grew up surrounded by imagination, adventure, and the kind of literary magic that often kept her reading long after bedtime.
Driven by an innate curiosity and an endless appetite for discovery, Zøe now considers herself a citizen of the world. Over the past several years, she has traveled extensively, exploring new cultures, landscapes, and people—experiences that continue to shape both her worldview and her writing.
She is the author of heartfelt, character-driven fiction featuring resilient teenage heroines who navigate personal challenges and strive to become the best versions of themselves. Beyond her novels, Zøe is passionate about storytelling in all its forms. On her blog, she shares narrative-rich travel pieces, offering readers a glimpse into her favorite places, hidden corners, and memorable encounters around the globe.
When she isn’t writing or traveling, Zøe enjoys watching sunsets, spending quality time with friends, and unwinding with her favorite films and TV series. She is also an avid collector of inspirational quotes, which she often shares with her online community.
Subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dlpbN9
Driven by an innate curiosity and an endless appetite for discovery, Zøe now considers herself a citizen of the world. Over the past several years, she has traveled extensively, exploring new cultures, landscapes, and people—experiences that continue to shape both her worldview and her writing.
She is the author of heartfelt, character-driven fiction featuring resilient teenage heroines who navigate personal challenges and strive to become the best versions of themselves. Beyond her novels, Zøe is passionate about storytelling in all its forms. On her blog, she shares narrative-rich travel pieces, offering readers a glimpse into her favorite places, hidden corners, and memorable encounters around the globe.
When she isn’t writing or traveling, Zøe enjoys watching sunsets, spending quality time with friends, and unwinding with her favorite films and TV series. She is also an avid collector of inspirational quotes, which she often shares with her online community.
Subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dlpbN9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
REVIEW TO COME💗🍁!!!!!!!!!
⋆˚࿔ 𝜗🥧🧸🍂𝜚˚⋆I love fall and I love the single mama trope⋆˚࿔ 𝜗🥧🧸🍂𝜚˚⋆!!!!!!!!!
⋆˚࿔ 𝜗🥧🧸🍂𝜚˚⋆I love fall and I love the single mama trope⋆˚࿔ 𝜗🥧🧸🍂𝜚˚⋆!!!!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC! All reviews and opinions are my own.
This was such a cute fall read, with all the pumpkins and coffee you'll ever need (and all the small town gossip!). I loved Olivia and Riley's connection, and how their romance developed. I just wish we saw more Riley and Ollie moments! Surprisingly, I also liked Justin. Currently the perfect season to read it!
This was such a cute fall read, with all the pumpkins and coffee you'll ever need (and all the small town gossip!). I loved Olivia and Riley's connection, and how their romance developed. I just wish we saw more Riley and Ollie moments! Surprisingly, I also liked Justin. Currently the perfect season to read it!
November 5, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
SPICE: 🚫 Closed Door
Tropes: Single Mom • Small-Town Romance • Fall Rom-Com • Charming MMC • Cozy Romance • Found Community
SOMEONE CHECK MY READING HISTORY. I THINK I’VE BEEN REPLACED.
Because here I am, fresh from my usual rotation of mafia bosses, stalkers, and fictional men who should not be allowed near a background check… giving FOUR STARS to a CLOSED-DOOR FALL ROMANCE.
NO SPICE. NOT A SINGLE PEPPER.
BABES, WHO AM I?! 😂
Apparently I’m a woman who can be won over by a charming man, an adorable little girl, a pastry shop, and enough pumpkins to redecorate the entire state of Vermont.
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things was my introduction to Zoe Haslie, and it was such a fun little autumn escape. Sometimes you don’t need emotional devastation and a man with an international criminal enterprise. Sometimes you need falling leaves, coffee, baked goods, and a small town that desperately needs a hobby besides gossip.
WELCOME TO ROSETOWN, WHERE THE PUMPKINS ARE PLENTIFUL AND PRIVACY IS APPARENTLY ILLEGAL.
Our heroine, Olivia, is twenty-three, working at the local pâtisserie and raising her six-year-old daughter, Ollie. That is already a full schedule before we add town events, unsolicited opinions, and the logistical challenges of simply being a person with responsibilities.
I liked that Olivia had priorities beyond finding a boyfriend. She’s young, she’s working hard, and she wants to give her daughter a safe, happy life. Romance isn’t something she can drop everything for just because a handsome man has wandered into town.
GOOD FOR HER. SOME OF US HAVE TO REMEMBER TO BE RESPONSIBLE.
Then Riley arrives.
Charming? Check.
Confident? Unfortunately for Olivia, VERY much check.
Capable of making her reconsider her no-romance agenda? Oh, absolutely.
But Riley also remembers Olivia from years ago—and she doesn’t remember him. Which is such a sweet little wrinkle in their story.
RILEY, SIR, YOU HAVE AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE. YOU’VE HAD TIME TO PREPARE YOUR FEELINGS.
The relationship is gentle and low-key, with Riley’s patience and persistence playing a big part in his appeal. I appreciate a romantic hero who doesn’t treat a single mother’s responsibilities as an inconvenience. Olivia and Ollie are a package deal; caring about Olivia means respecting the life she’s already built.
ROMANCE IS WONDERFUL. BUT CAN YOU HELP WITH THE EVERYDAY STUFF, SIR?
What really makes this book memorable, though, is its autumn setting. Rosetown has the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to put on a sweater even if the weather outside hasn’t received the memo. There’s the beloved pâtisserie, the community events, the festival chaos, and enough quirky neighbors to fill several seasons of a television show.
If you love that Gilmore Girls feeling—cozy streets, familiar faces, and a community that’s equal parts affectionate and wildly nosy—there’s a lot to enjoy here.
HOWEVER. ROSETOWN RESIDENTS. I HAVE A REQUEST.
Please find something else to discuss besides Olivia’s romantic prospects. Start a book club. Learn pottery. Organize your sock drawers. Anything.
The town’s enthusiastic involvement in everyone else’s life creates much of the comedy. Pumpkin festivals, bake-off trouble, and decorations refusing to cooperate keep things lively. Is it a little silly? Absolutely. But this is the sort of story where the silliness is part of the charm.
That said, there were moments when I wanted the romance itself to have a little more room. With such a lively town and so many antics happening around Olivia, I would have happily taken extra quiet scenes with Riley and Ollie—or simply more time with Riley and Olivia building their connection away from the crowd.
Because the sweetness is there. I just wanted to linger in it a little longer.
EVEN MY COZY ERA HAS STANDARDS, DARLINGS.
And let’s address the very important situation involving the spice rating.
CLOSED. DOOR.
No explicit scenes. No need to dramatically fan myself with my Kindle. No morally bankrupt man turning an otherwise normal conversation into a workplace safety violation.
AND I STILL ENJOYED IT.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and absolutely zero peppers for a charming, closed-door fall romance full of pumpkins, pastries, small-town gossip, and a single mother finding room for something unexpected.
Zoe Haslie is a new-to-me author, and Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things made for a genuinely enjoyable change of pace. I liked Olivia’s determination to care for her daughter, Riley’s patient charm, and the cozy, slightly chaotic atmosphere of Rosetown. I would have loved a little more couple-focused time, but the overall experience left me smiling.
If you’re craving an autumn rom-com with Gilmore Girls energy, community shenanigans, and a sweet romance without on-page spice, this is a lovely book to curl up with.
Now, Rosetown?
LET THE WOMAN DATE IN PEACE. SHE HAS A CHILD, A JOB, AND PROBABLY A PUMPKIN-RELATED EMERGENCY TO DEAL WITH.
Four stars. No peppers. And one reader who apparently can survive an entire romance without a single criminal, masked stalker, or explicit bedroom scene.
SOMEONE ALERT MY DARK-ROMANCE SHELF. I’VE DEVELOPED RANGE. 🍂🧡
SPICE: 🚫 Closed Door
Tropes: Single Mom • Small-Town Romance • Fall Rom-Com • Charming MMC • Cozy Romance • Found Community
SOMEONE CHECK MY READING HISTORY. I THINK I’VE BEEN REPLACED.
Because here I am, fresh from my usual rotation of mafia bosses, stalkers, and fictional men who should not be allowed near a background check… giving FOUR STARS to a CLOSED-DOOR FALL ROMANCE.
NO SPICE. NOT A SINGLE PEPPER.
BABES, WHO AM I?! 😂
Apparently I’m a woman who can be won over by a charming man, an adorable little girl, a pastry shop, and enough pumpkins to redecorate the entire state of Vermont.
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things was my introduction to Zoe Haslie, and it was such a fun little autumn escape. Sometimes you don’t need emotional devastation and a man with an international criminal enterprise. Sometimes you need falling leaves, coffee, baked goods, and a small town that desperately needs a hobby besides gossip.
WELCOME TO ROSETOWN, WHERE THE PUMPKINS ARE PLENTIFUL AND PRIVACY IS APPARENTLY ILLEGAL.
Our heroine, Olivia, is twenty-three, working at the local pâtisserie and raising her six-year-old daughter, Ollie. That is already a full schedule before we add town events, unsolicited opinions, and the logistical challenges of simply being a person with responsibilities.
I liked that Olivia had priorities beyond finding a boyfriend. She’s young, she’s working hard, and she wants to give her daughter a safe, happy life. Romance isn’t something she can drop everything for just because a handsome man has wandered into town.
GOOD FOR HER. SOME OF US HAVE TO REMEMBER TO BE RESPONSIBLE.
Then Riley arrives.
Charming? Check.
Confident? Unfortunately for Olivia, VERY much check.
Capable of making her reconsider her no-romance agenda? Oh, absolutely.
But Riley also remembers Olivia from years ago—and she doesn’t remember him. Which is such a sweet little wrinkle in their story.
RILEY, SIR, YOU HAVE AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE. YOU’VE HAD TIME TO PREPARE YOUR FEELINGS.
The relationship is gentle and low-key, with Riley’s patience and persistence playing a big part in his appeal. I appreciate a romantic hero who doesn’t treat a single mother’s responsibilities as an inconvenience. Olivia and Ollie are a package deal; caring about Olivia means respecting the life she’s already built.
ROMANCE IS WONDERFUL. BUT CAN YOU HELP WITH THE EVERYDAY STUFF, SIR?
What really makes this book memorable, though, is its autumn setting. Rosetown has the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to put on a sweater even if the weather outside hasn’t received the memo. There’s the beloved pâtisserie, the community events, the festival chaos, and enough quirky neighbors to fill several seasons of a television show.
If you love that Gilmore Girls feeling—cozy streets, familiar faces, and a community that’s equal parts affectionate and wildly nosy—there’s a lot to enjoy here.
HOWEVER. ROSETOWN RESIDENTS. I HAVE A REQUEST.
Please find something else to discuss besides Olivia’s romantic prospects. Start a book club. Learn pottery. Organize your sock drawers. Anything.
The town’s enthusiastic involvement in everyone else’s life creates much of the comedy. Pumpkin festivals, bake-off trouble, and decorations refusing to cooperate keep things lively. Is it a little silly? Absolutely. But this is the sort of story where the silliness is part of the charm.
That said, there were moments when I wanted the romance itself to have a little more room. With such a lively town and so many antics happening around Olivia, I would have happily taken extra quiet scenes with Riley and Ollie—or simply more time with Riley and Olivia building their connection away from the crowd.
Because the sweetness is there. I just wanted to linger in it a little longer.
EVEN MY COZY ERA HAS STANDARDS, DARLINGS.
And let’s address the very important situation involving the spice rating.
CLOSED. DOOR.
No explicit scenes. No need to dramatically fan myself with my Kindle. No morally bankrupt man turning an otherwise normal conversation into a workplace safety violation.
AND I STILL ENJOYED IT.
FINAL VERDICT:
Four stars and absolutely zero peppers for a charming, closed-door fall romance full of pumpkins, pastries, small-town gossip, and a single mother finding room for something unexpected.
Zoe Haslie is a new-to-me author, and Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things made for a genuinely enjoyable change of pace. I liked Olivia’s determination to care for her daughter, Riley’s patient charm, and the cozy, slightly chaotic atmosphere of Rosetown. I would have loved a little more couple-focused time, but the overall experience left me smiling.
If you’re craving an autumn rom-com with Gilmore Girls energy, community shenanigans, and a sweet romance without on-page spice, this is a lovely book to curl up with.
Now, Rosetown?
LET THE WOMAN DATE IN PEACE. SHE HAS A CHILD, A JOB, AND PROBABLY A PUMPKIN-RELATED EMERGENCY TO DEAL WITH.
Four stars. No peppers. And one reader who apparently can survive an entire romance without a single criminal, masked stalker, or explicit bedroom scene.
SOMEONE ALERT MY DARK-ROMANCE SHELF. I’VE DEVELOPED RANGE. 🍂🧡
November 1, 2026
Thank you so much for this advanced readers copy!!
This is the epitome of small town romance,
If you’re craving a cavity inducing sweet romance, this is it!
Things I really liked:
•laughed a ton at the irony of the small town drama.
Super super humorous, laugh out loud moments especially over the Rosetown Gazette.
•the wacky cast of characters. Even the side characters/background characters were just so fun to read about. I love the silly antics and social politics of this cute little town.
•reading a book about FMC who has a daughter, I just loved the mother/daughter duo.
I think that’s a side of representation that’s difficult to find without it being displayed as a “negative”
•our FMC’s support team! She had so many people on her side and ready to help her, absolutely loved that.
•no spice!!
Things that fell a little short for me:
•the overall romance,
I would’ve liked a bit more communication and getting to know one another between the main characters.
Instead it was a little rushed, and the chemistry was slightly off in my opinion.
The romance cocktail consisted of
“hi, I’m shy.” “hi, I flirt a little.”
“Miscommunication miscommunication miscommunication”
“Big reveal, I like you!”
By the end, I was rushing through the last few pages so I could finally get to the
“oh they’re talking to each other!!!”
I’m positive a lot of people will enjoy this, it just felt more like a short story with a happy ending to me, then it did a full romance.
Excited to try another read from this author for sure.
Once again thank you so much for this ARC from BookSirens!
This is the epitome of small town romance,
If you’re craving a cavity inducing sweet romance, this is it!
Things I really liked:
•laughed a ton at the irony of the small town drama.
Super super humorous, laugh out loud moments especially over the Rosetown Gazette.
•the wacky cast of characters. Even the side characters/background characters were just so fun to read about. I love the silly antics and social politics of this cute little town.
•reading a book about FMC who has a daughter, I just loved the mother/daughter duo.
I think that’s a side of representation that’s difficult to find without it being displayed as a “negative”
•our FMC’s support team! She had so many people on her side and ready to help her, absolutely loved that.
•no spice!!
Things that fell a little short for me:
•the overall romance,
I would’ve liked a bit more communication and getting to know one another between the main characters.
Instead it was a little rushed, and the chemistry was slightly off in my opinion.
The romance cocktail consisted of
“hi, I’m shy.” “hi, I flirt a little.”
“Miscommunication miscommunication miscommunication”
“Big reveal, I like you!”
By the end, I was rushing through the last few pages so I could finally get to the
“oh they’re talking to each other!!!”
I’m positive a lot of people will enjoy this, it just felt more like a short story with a happy ending to me, then it did a full romance.
Excited to try another read from this author for sure.
Once again thank you so much for this ARC from BookSirens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2026
⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
I loved the idea of a cosy, small-town, single-parent romance, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story felt very dialogue-heavy, with very little actually happening to move the plot forward.
I also struggled to connect with the romance. So much of the tension relied on miscommunication and keeping information to themselves, which became more frustrating than anything else.
By the time Olivia and Riley finally started communicating, I wasn’t particularly invested in their relationship. The ending also felt abrupt, with very little payoff after such a slow build-up.
Overall, I loved the idea of this book more than the story itself. It had all the ingredients for a lovely autumn romance, but unfortunately lacked the depth and emotional connection I was hoping for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.
I loved the idea of a cosy, small-town, single-parent romance, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story felt very dialogue-heavy, with very little actually happening to move the plot forward.
I also struggled to connect with the romance. So much of the tension relied on miscommunication and keeping information to themselves, which became more frustrating than anything else.
By the time Olivia and Riley finally started communicating, I wasn’t particularly invested in their relationship. The ending also felt abrupt, with very little payoff after such a slow build-up.
Overall, I loved the idea of this book more than the story itself. It had all the ingredients for a lovely autumn romance, but unfortunately lacked the depth and emotional connection I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a sweet story in a very cute setting, with a whole host of quirky town characters. If you enjoy a Gilmore Girls type of community and fall vibe, this could be a good match.
I, personally, struggled to feel a real connection between Olivia and Riley. And while I liked these two characters, I wanted more interaction between them. I also found myself frustrated with the silliness of the town. The story is definitely heavy on the comedy portion of the RomCom and I think I just wanted more of a romance.
So, if you are looking for a fun escape, with a cast of zany town characters and the beginnings of a sweet romance, this could be a good choice for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I, personally, struggled to feel a real connection between Olivia and Riley. And while I liked these two characters, I wanted more interaction between them. I also found myself frustrated with the silliness of the town. The story is definitely heavy on the comedy portion of the RomCom and I think I just wanted more of a romance.
So, if you are looking for a fun escape, with a cast of zany town characters and the beginnings of a sweet romance, this could be a good choice for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Read
October 27, 2026La parte final no me gusto. A Riley le gusta Olivia, pero sus salidas con Julie dan a entender otra cosa. Sabe que Olivia está celosa y en lugar de aclarar las cosas y dejar de salir con Julie, solo le causa gracia que se ponga así y le gusta que se ponga celosa. Todo porque Olivia pasa tiempo con su ex, cuando en realidad solo se ven cuando está su hija. Es obvio que Olivia tendrá que pasar tiempo con su ex por su hija, pero Riley lo hace para hacerla sufrir.
Luego Olivia tiene la idea de que Julie es la novia de R y eso no le impide ir tras de él y declararle sus sentimientos y solo cuando él no le contesta nada es cuando se siente mal. Los dos son tal para cual.
Luego Olivia tiene la idea de que Julie es la novia de R y eso no le impide ir tras de él y declararle sus sentimientos y solo cuando él no le contesta nada es cuando se siente mal. Los dos son tal para cual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a cozy closed door romance. It felt like I stepped right into the small town and could easily imagine being a member of the town. I really enjoyed the shenanigans that took place.
Riley’s patience and perseverance endeared him to me.
Olivia’s determination to protect her daughter is something I appreciated.
This is a great book to curl up with a cup of hot apple cider and just get swept away with.
Riley’s patience and perseverance endeared him to me.
Olivia’s determination to protect her daughter is something I appreciated.
This is a great book to curl up with a cup of hot apple cider and just get swept away with.
October 10, 2026
This story is so sweet and wholesome. It covers all the emotions that we go through in life and touches on so many real things while navigating a beautiful story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this really didn't work for me. The premise sounded like a cute, cozy autumn romance, but by the end I felt like there was barely a story here. The book relies heavily on miscommunication, misunderstandings and withholding information to create both the plot and romantic tension.
Olivia is a 23-year-old single mother, but despite her very adult responsibilities, both she and the overall writing frequently felt much younger. The small-town humor also became frustrating rather than charming. We have customers complaining that the pâtisserie was out of lemon macarons for three whole days and that the fall signs were positioned at 86 degrees instead of the usual 90. These moments were clearly meant to emphasize the quirky, overly invested residents of Rosetown, but instead of finding them funny or endearing, I mostly found the town exhausting.
My biggest issue, however, was the romance. There is obvious attraction between Olivia and Riley, but I never felt like their relationship developed beyond that attraction. Instead of meaningful conversations and growing emotional intimacy, much of the romantic tension comes from withheld information, jealousy and miscommunication that could have been solved by simply talking to each other. This became increasingly frustrating as the story went on.
I also wouldn't recommend reading this as a standalone. Since this is the second book in the series, several characters from the first book appear with very little introduction or context, and the story often seems to expect the reader to already know who they are and how they are connected.
The story introduces some genuinely interesting circumstances that could have created natural conflict and given the romance more emotional depth, but I never felt they were properly explored. By the time Olivia and Riley finally communicated openly, I wasn't excited for them to get together—I was just relieved they were finally talking.
The ending also felt very abrupt and left me wanting considerably more payoff after spending the entire book waiting for the romance to develop.
This is a closed-door romance with very little swearing and LGBTQ+ representation, and the cozy autumn setting may work much better for readers who enjoy exaggerated quirky-small-town humor. Unfortunately, the romance never developed enough for me, the humor didn't land, and the constant miscommunication left me more annoyed than charmed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this really didn't work for me. The premise sounded like a cute, cozy autumn romance, but by the end I felt like there was barely a story here. The book relies heavily on miscommunication, misunderstandings and withholding information to create both the plot and romantic tension.
Olivia is a 23-year-old single mother, but despite her very adult responsibilities, both she and the overall writing frequently felt much younger. The small-town humor also became frustrating rather than charming. We have customers complaining that the pâtisserie was out of lemon macarons for three whole days and that the fall signs were positioned at 86 degrees instead of the usual 90. These moments were clearly meant to emphasize the quirky, overly invested residents of Rosetown, but instead of finding them funny or endearing, I mostly found the town exhausting.
My biggest issue, however, was the romance. There is obvious attraction between Olivia and Riley, but I never felt like their relationship developed beyond that attraction. Instead of meaningful conversations and growing emotional intimacy, much of the romantic tension comes from withheld information, jealousy and miscommunication that could have been solved by simply talking to each other. This became increasingly frustrating as the story went on.
I also wouldn't recommend reading this as a standalone. Since this is the second book in the series, several characters from the first book appear with very little introduction or context, and the story often seems to expect the reader to already know who they are and how they are connected.
The story introduces some genuinely interesting circumstances that could have created natural conflict and given the romance more emotional depth, but I never felt they were properly explored. By the time Olivia and Riley finally communicated openly, I wasn't excited for them to get together—I was just relieved they were finally talking.
The ending also felt very abrupt and left me wanting considerably more payoff after spending the entire book waiting for the romance to develop.
This is a closed-door romance with very little swearing and LGBTQ+ representation, and the cozy autumn setting may work much better for readers who enjoy exaggerated quirky-small-town humor. Unfortunately, the romance never developed enough for me, the humor didn't land, and the constant miscommunication left me more annoyed than charmed.
November 6, 2026
If you are looking for small town charm, local gossip, and cozy autumn vibes, this book certainly delivers. However, while the setting is beautifully baked, the romantic plotline unfortunately falls a bit flat.
The story instantly wraps you up in a comforting small town atmosphere and a cozy pastry shop setting. The author does a fantastic job with sensory details, filling the pages with fall baking references.
It was also refreshing to read about a protagonist who is a mother. The interactions between Olivia and her daughter, Ollie, felt incredibly real. The author nailed the accuracy of the child's dialogue—Ollie talks and interacts exactly like a real child her age would.
Unfortunately, the book drops you straight into chapter one with a chaotic influx of names and character interactions. Because of this, it feels like you are missing the vital context and established dynamics needed to fully connect with the supporting cast right away.
By the time you reach the 20% mark, the pacing begins to stall. Instead of focusing on the romance, the narrative spends far too much time on the mundane, daily tasks of working in a bakery. It quickly feels less like reading a romance and more like working a shift in a café.
The story also suffers from a classic "tell, don't show" issue regarding the love interests. We are frequently told about the romantic tension rather than getting to truly experience it. Olivia and Riley lack meaningful conversations throughout the book; instead, their interactions often feel awkward and randomly placed. Furthermore, the attempted depth with their backstories felt irrelevant—if they were cut entirely, the plot wouldn't change, and it added very little to the characters' development or growth.
The book does finally find its stride during the blind bake-off scene. This segment is genuinely funny and delivers the exact romantic tension that the rest of the book lacked.
Final Verdict:
A great read for bakery lovers, featuring a realistic mother-daughter dynamic and entertaining small town gossip. However, if you are looking for a deep, slow-burn romantic chemistry and meaningful character development, this one might leave you wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley & Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story instantly wraps you up in a comforting small town atmosphere and a cozy pastry shop setting. The author does a fantastic job with sensory details, filling the pages with fall baking references.
It was also refreshing to read about a protagonist who is a mother. The interactions between Olivia and her daughter, Ollie, felt incredibly real. The author nailed the accuracy of the child's dialogue—Ollie talks and interacts exactly like a real child her age would.
Unfortunately, the book drops you straight into chapter one with a chaotic influx of names and character interactions. Because of this, it feels like you are missing the vital context and established dynamics needed to fully connect with the supporting cast right away.
By the time you reach the 20% mark, the pacing begins to stall. Instead of focusing on the romance, the narrative spends far too much time on the mundane, daily tasks of working in a bakery. It quickly feels less like reading a romance and more like working a shift in a café.
The story also suffers from a classic "tell, don't show" issue regarding the love interests. We are frequently told about the romantic tension rather than getting to truly experience it. Olivia and Riley lack meaningful conversations throughout the book; instead, their interactions often feel awkward and randomly placed. Furthermore, the attempted depth with their backstories felt irrelevant—if they were cut entirely, the plot wouldn't change, and it added very little to the characters' development or growth.
The book does finally find its stride during the blind bake-off scene. This segment is genuinely funny and delivers the exact romantic tension that the rest of the book lacked.
Final Verdict:
A great read for bakery lovers, featuring a realistic mother-daughter dynamic and entertaining small town gossip. However, if you are looking for a deep, slow-burn romantic chemistry and meaningful character development, this one might leave you wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley & Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things by Zøe Haslie! This was such a cute, cozy, and heartwarming small-town romance filled with all the fall vibes! Between the pumpkin festivals, coffee, small-town gossip, and quirky characters, it honestly felt like stepping into an episode of Gilmore Girls!
One of my favorite things about this book was Olivia's character. I admired how hardworking and devoted she was to her daughter, Ollie. Being a single mom at such a young age while juggling work, family, and everything else couldn't have been easy. Although some of her decisions frustrated me at times, I understood why she was so protective of the life she had built. I especially loved her relationship with Ollie and all their sweet moments together!
I also really liked Riley! He was charming, patient, and persistent, and I appreciated how he respected Olivia's responsibilities as a mother. Their banter was entertaining, and I enjoyed watching Olivia slowly open herself up to the possibility of love again. However, I do wish we had gotten more moments between Olivia and Riley to help develop their romantic connection. While they were cute together, I wanted a little more depth to their relationship.
Another highlight was the small-town atmosphere! I absolutely loved the quirky townspeople, ridiculous gossip, and hilarious shenanigans that made Rosetown feel so lively. The supporting characters added so much personality and humor to the story, especially Jake!
Overall, Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things was such a sweet, lighthearted, and comforting fall read! While I wish the romance had been developed a little more, I still loved the cozy atmosphere, lovable characters, and the message about learning to trust and allowing yourself to find happiness again. If you're looking for a quick, feel-good autumn romance with major Gilmore Girls vibes, this is definitely worth picking up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of my favorite things about this book was Olivia's character. I admired how hardworking and devoted she was to her daughter, Ollie. Being a single mom at such a young age while juggling work, family, and everything else couldn't have been easy. Although some of her decisions frustrated me at times, I understood why she was so protective of the life she had built. I especially loved her relationship with Ollie and all their sweet moments together!
I also really liked Riley! He was charming, patient, and persistent, and I appreciated how he respected Olivia's responsibilities as a mother. Their banter was entertaining, and I enjoyed watching Olivia slowly open herself up to the possibility of love again. However, I do wish we had gotten more moments between Olivia and Riley to help develop their romantic connection. While they were cute together, I wanted a little more depth to their relationship.
Another highlight was the small-town atmosphere! I absolutely loved the quirky townspeople, ridiculous gossip, and hilarious shenanigans that made Rosetown feel so lively. The supporting characters added so much personality and humor to the story, especially Jake!
Overall, Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things was such a sweet, lighthearted, and comforting fall read! While I wish the romance had been developed a little more, I still loved the cozy atmosphere, lovable characters, and the message about learning to trust and allowing yourself to find happiness again. If you're looking for a quick, feel-good autumn romance with major Gilmore Girls vibes, this is definitely worth picking up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2026
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things delivered exactly what it promised: a cozy, quirky, delightfully over-the-top small-town romance that felt like the perfect fall Hallmark movie in book form.
Olivia became a mom as a teenager and has spent years putting her daughter first while doing everything she can to build a stable life for them. That experience has made her fiercely independent, but it has also made it difficult for her to believe that her own happily ever after might still be waiting for her. When Riley returns to Rosetown and remembers Olivia from years ago—even though she doesn’t remember him—she has a hard time recognizing all the signs pointing her toward love.
I appreciated that beneath all the cozy autumn fun, the story explored Olivia’s emotional struggle to let someone into the life she has worked so hard to create. Like every good Hallmark story, there is a personal obstacle to overcome, a little romantic uncertainty, and ultimately the happily ever after we are all hoping for.
Rosetown was almost a character of its own. It is charming, chaotic, incredibly nosy, and so over-the-top that you simultaneously want to live there and know you would never survive everyone being involved in your business. The town gossip and Rosetown Gazette were especially funny and gave me major Lady Whistledown vibes.
This was a sweet, humorous, closed-door romance filled with fall festivals, small-town antics, family, friendship, and plenty of seasonal atmosphere. Some moments require you to embrace the whimsy and suspend disbelief, but that is also part of its charm.
If you love the Dream Harbor series, cozy Hallmark-style romances, and fictional towns where everyone knows everything, I think you will feel perfectly at home in Rosetown.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Olivia became a mom as a teenager and has spent years putting her daughter first while doing everything she can to build a stable life for them. That experience has made her fiercely independent, but it has also made it difficult for her to believe that her own happily ever after might still be waiting for her. When Riley returns to Rosetown and remembers Olivia from years ago—even though she doesn’t remember him—she has a hard time recognizing all the signs pointing her toward love.
I appreciated that beneath all the cozy autumn fun, the story explored Olivia’s emotional struggle to let someone into the life she has worked so hard to create. Like every good Hallmark story, there is a personal obstacle to overcome, a little romantic uncertainty, and ultimately the happily ever after we are all hoping for.
Rosetown was almost a character of its own. It is charming, chaotic, incredibly nosy, and so over-the-top that you simultaneously want to live there and know you would never survive everyone being involved in your business. The town gossip and Rosetown Gazette were especially funny and gave me major Lady Whistledown vibes.
This was a sweet, humorous, closed-door romance filled with fall festivals, small-town antics, family, friendship, and plenty of seasonal atmosphere. Some moments require you to embrace the whimsy and suspend disbelief, but that is also part of its charm.
If you love the Dream Harbor series, cozy Hallmark-style romances, and fictional towns where everyone knows everything, I think you will feel perfectly at home in Rosetown.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is a big ask! There's suspension of disbelief—and then there's this. I settled in with a pumpkin spice coffee for a cozy fall read, but there were problems right from the start, and it just never recovered.
For example, at the start of the novel, Sophia leaves her pâtisserie in the hands of Olivia, the protagonist, who is a young, single mother with an unreliable vehicle, rather than leaving it in the hands of more established employees with fewer responsibilities and reliable transportation. And she does this fifteen minutes before heading out the door. Odd.
Later, Olivia and another worker, Jake, decorate the pâtisserie for the fall season kick-off in town. Apparently, misplaced pumpkins and fairy lights around a doorframe are enough to send customers fleeing. They literally turn around and leave. Yet, when Olivia returns from picking up her daughter at school, there's inexplicably a line out the door. What?
And let's not forget Riley, the love interest—a man Olivia mistakenly assumes works at the pâtisserie (yes, another odd scene!) who turns out to be her daughter's teacher AND her next-door neighbor. What's more? He's always conveniently available.
And the implausible situations keep coming. At a mandatory school apple-picking event, for example, a parent publicly complains that someone sent a nanny, apparently assuming Olivia couldn't possibly be another parent. Wow.
There are some positives here: the town itself, the witty gossip column entries by Mrs. Hendrix, Editor & Sole Staff Member at The Rosetown Gazette, the fall festival, the pâtisserie, the romance between Olivia and Riley, and the secondary characters. The ingredients for a successful fall romance are all here, but it just doesn't deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book.
For example, at the start of the novel, Sophia leaves her pâtisserie in the hands of Olivia, the protagonist, who is a young, single mother with an unreliable vehicle, rather than leaving it in the hands of more established employees with fewer responsibilities and reliable transportation. And she does this fifteen minutes before heading out the door. Odd.
Later, Olivia and another worker, Jake, decorate the pâtisserie for the fall season kick-off in town. Apparently, misplaced pumpkins and fairy lights around a doorframe are enough to send customers fleeing. They literally turn around and leave. Yet, when Olivia returns from picking up her daughter at school, there's inexplicably a line out the door. What?
And let's not forget Riley, the love interest—a man Olivia mistakenly assumes works at the pâtisserie (yes, another odd scene!) who turns out to be her daughter's teacher AND her next-door neighbor. What's more? He's always conveniently available.
And the implausible situations keep coming. At a mandatory school apple-picking event, for example, a parent publicly complains that someone sent a nanny, apparently assuming Olivia couldn't possibly be another parent. Wow.
There are some positives here: the town itself, the witty gossip column entries by Mrs. Hendrix, Editor & Sole Staff Member at The Rosetown Gazette, the fall festival, the pâtisserie, the romance between Olivia and Riley, and the secondary characters. The ingredients for a successful fall romance are all here, but it just doesn't deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, sign me up for Rosetown immediately! Hearts, Leaves, & Other Falling Things is the ultimate cozy autumn book. It literally wraps you in a warm hug during those chilly fall days! Everything about this story is absolutely perfect, and Zoe did an amazing job bringing it to life.
While the blurb completely hooked me from the start, getting to know Olivia was honestly the best part. As a grounded, hardworking single mom balancing a young daughter and a busy job, she is incredibly relatable—plus, huge bonus points for giving off major Lorelai Gilmore vibes, which was one of my favorite shows during high school!
If you are a fan of annoying confidence mixed with ridiculous, flirty romance, Riley is the ultimate book boyfriend. Their mysterious past connection adds such a fun layer to the classic small-town gossip dynamic.
In addition to Olivia and Riley, I immediately fell in love with the setting. Rosetown instantly captured my autumn-loving heart with its small-town charm, festive fall traditions, and delightfully eccentric locals. Between the deep community support and the found-family relationships, it felt like the perfect seasonal escape!
Hearts, Leaves, & Other Falling Things is perfect for readers who enjoy a witty, heartwarming small-town romantic comedy that brings all the warmth of pumpkin spice and none of the explicit steam. This story is rich with quirky friendships, deeply rooted family bonds, and an electric slow burn that will make your heart skip a beat. It promises a heartfelt, sweet love story that will have you giggling at the clever humor and snappy banter!
Thank you so much Zoe for the advance copy & allowing me the opportunity to support you! ❤️🍁
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from this author and this is my honest review.
While the blurb completely hooked me from the start, getting to know Olivia was honestly the best part. As a grounded, hardworking single mom balancing a young daughter and a busy job, she is incredibly relatable—plus, huge bonus points for giving off major Lorelai Gilmore vibes, which was one of my favorite shows during high school!
If you are a fan of annoying confidence mixed with ridiculous, flirty romance, Riley is the ultimate book boyfriend. Their mysterious past connection adds such a fun layer to the classic small-town gossip dynamic.
In addition to Olivia and Riley, I immediately fell in love with the setting. Rosetown instantly captured my autumn-loving heart with its small-town charm, festive fall traditions, and delightfully eccentric locals. Between the deep community support and the found-family relationships, it felt like the perfect seasonal escape!
Hearts, Leaves, & Other Falling Things is perfect for readers who enjoy a witty, heartwarming small-town romantic comedy that brings all the warmth of pumpkin spice and none of the explicit steam. This story is rich with quirky friendships, deeply rooted family bonds, and an electric slow burn that will make your heart skip a beat. It promises a heartfelt, sweet love story that will have you giggling at the clever humor and snappy banter!
Thank you so much Zoe for the advance copy & allowing me the opportunity to support you! ❤️🍁
Disclosure: I received an advance copy from this author and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things was a solid 3 star read for me. This story had an enjoyable premise and a setting filled with potential. The quirky small-town atmosphere and its interesting mix of characters created an opportunity for a charming and engaging story. While the storyline felt somewhat familiar and predictable in a cozy, Hallmark movie sort of way, there were several aspects that I found myself wishing had been explored more deeply.
I would have loved to learn more about the characters and their backgrounds. At times it was difficult to keep track of who was who because these characters were not as fully developed as I would have preferred. There were some particularly interesting storylines that could have added depth and allowed for greater character growth. I would have been especially interested in learning more about Olivia’s relationship with her mother, as well as seeing some resolution or closure in her relationship with Justin. After watching the evolution of the relationship between Olivia and Riley, I would have appreciated seeing more of what was in store for them moving forward.
The unique personalities of the townspeople also offered so much potential for additional storylines, unexpected connections, and glimpses into their histories and past experiences. Exploring those relationship further could have made the story even richer and more engaging.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a charming setting and plenty of potential. It gave just the right cozy, warm, fall vibe that I was looking for this reading season. I just found myself wanting a little more depth, character development and exploration of the relationships that made the story interesting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things was a solid 3 star read for me. This story had an enjoyable premise and a setting filled with potential. The quirky small-town atmosphere and its interesting mix of characters created an opportunity for a charming and engaging story. While the storyline felt somewhat familiar and predictable in a cozy, Hallmark movie sort of way, there were several aspects that I found myself wishing had been explored more deeply.
I would have loved to learn more about the characters and their backgrounds. At times it was difficult to keep track of who was who because these characters were not as fully developed as I would have preferred. There were some particularly interesting storylines that could have added depth and allowed for greater character growth. I would have been especially interested in learning more about Olivia’s relationship with her mother, as well as seeing some resolution or closure in her relationship with Justin. After watching the evolution of the relationship between Olivia and Riley, I would have appreciated seeing more of what was in store for them moving forward.
The unique personalities of the townspeople also offered so much potential for additional storylines, unexpected connections, and glimpses into their histories and past experiences. Exploring those relationship further could have made the story even richer and more engaging.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a charming setting and plenty of potential. It gave just the right cozy, warm, fall vibe that I was looking for this reading season. I just found myself wanting a little more depth, character development and exploration of the relationships that made the story interesting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hearts, Leaves, and Other Falling Things is the first book I have read by Zoe Haslie, but I am confident it won’t be my last!
This is the second book in the Rosetown Smalltown Romance Series, and oh my. What a quirky, delightful small town Rosetown is. All the characters add such a fun, and sometimes completely ridiculous, element to the story. The town and its inhabitants gave off a very nostalgic Stars Hollow feel, and the fall setting was so well written, I could almost hear the crunch of leaves being stepped on and the smell of pumpkin bread and hot, fresh spiced cider in the air.
But what really took center stage was the beautiful relationships Olivia had with her daughter, Ollie, and truly everyone in Rosetown. The pranks between Olivia and Jake were fantastic!
Then there was Riley. The mystery surrounding how he seemed to see things in Olivia that she felt nobody else saw, the way he seemed to know her when she had no recollection of him. Despite all the obstacles between them being anything other than friends that Olivia constantly reminded herself, she still couldn’t help herself from falling for Riley.
Of course, like all fantastically hilarious small towns, there are nosey busybodies, gossips, hijinks and shenanigans that the couple must overcome to find their HEA, on fop of their own personal issues. But reading through until that well earned ending is a wonderful ride.
Grab your copy today!
*As an FYI, this is a closed door romance with very minimal swearing, but there are references of past toxic family situations for the FMC that do get discussed. The FMC was also a teen mother. There are also LGBTQ elements with a side character.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Rosetown Smalltown Romance Series, and oh my. What a quirky, delightful small town Rosetown is. All the characters add such a fun, and sometimes completely ridiculous, element to the story. The town and its inhabitants gave off a very nostalgic Stars Hollow feel, and the fall setting was so well written, I could almost hear the crunch of leaves being stepped on and the smell of pumpkin bread and hot, fresh spiced cider in the air.
But what really took center stage was the beautiful relationships Olivia had with her daughter, Ollie, and truly everyone in Rosetown. The pranks between Olivia and Jake were fantastic!
Then there was Riley. The mystery surrounding how he seemed to see things in Olivia that she felt nobody else saw, the way he seemed to know her when she had no recollection of him. Despite all the obstacles between them being anything other than friends that Olivia constantly reminded herself, she still couldn’t help herself from falling for Riley.
Of course, like all fantastically hilarious small towns, there are nosey busybodies, gossips, hijinks and shenanigans that the couple must overcome to find their HEA, on fop of their own personal issues. But reading through until that well earned ending is a wonderful ride.
Grab your copy today!
*As an FYI, this is a closed door romance with very minimal swearing, but there are references of past toxic family situations for the FMC that do get discussed. The FMC was also a teen mother. There are also LGBTQ elements with a side character.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
This is a very light fluffy read that gives off some really nice cozy fall vibes. The characters are fun a quirky. Everything about this screamed Gilmore Girls, so if you enjoy that show you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Olivia is a single mom who had her baby at 17. Now at 23 she’s having to juggle taking care of her six year old, running the the town pâtisserie while her boss is away, and juggling the crazy town shenanigans.
I enjoyed this book! I love the vibes of the town, I love our complicated main character (even if she was driving me crazy with some of her decisions), and I loved the crazy cast of side characters. The relationship between Riley and Olivia didn’t feel as strongly developed so I didn’t really connect to it as much. I wanted to see more of why Riley liked Olivia and what drew him to her. They discuss it at some point but you’re already 90% into the book when that conversation happens. I would’ve loved to see more of them together. I loved Olivia and Ollie’s (Olivia’s daughter) relationship and the way that they interact with their family/friends.
The overall atmosphere of the story is perfect for fall though! I loved the cast of quirky people who live in the town and the ridiculous things that happen and even the articles that detail the town gossip. I feel like those aspects really rounded out the plot. The story really sold fall to me and I loved the single mom trope.
Overall I’m glad I read this book (especially because I was in a massive book slump) and recommend it if you’re looking for something light to read that will give off fall vibes.
This is a very light fluffy read that gives off some really nice cozy fall vibes. The characters are fun a quirky. Everything about this screamed Gilmore Girls, so if you enjoy that show you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Olivia is a single mom who had her baby at 17. Now at 23 she’s having to juggle taking care of her six year old, running the the town pâtisserie while her boss is away, and juggling the crazy town shenanigans.
I enjoyed this book! I love the vibes of the town, I love our complicated main character (even if she was driving me crazy with some of her decisions), and I loved the crazy cast of side characters. The relationship between Riley and Olivia didn’t feel as strongly developed so I didn’t really connect to it as much. I wanted to see more of why Riley liked Olivia and what drew him to her. They discuss it at some point but you’re already 90% into the book when that conversation happens. I would’ve loved to see more of them together. I loved Olivia and Ollie’s (Olivia’s daughter) relationship and the way that they interact with their family/friends.
The overall atmosphere of the story is perfect for fall though! I loved the cast of quirky people who live in the town and the ridiculous things that happen and even the articles that detail the town gossip. I feel like those aspects really rounded out the plot. The story really sold fall to me and I loved the single mom trope.
Overall I’m glad I read this book (especially because I was in a massive book slump) and recommend it if you’re looking for something light to read that will give off fall vibes.
October 3, 2026
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Things
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia Breckenridge ~ We’re assimilating Jake, what a pair of lonesome lovers we are.
Riley Evans ~ Abso-pumpkin-lutely
I’ve been searching for the perfect autumn romance book and I have finally found it.
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Leaves is the second book in Zøe Haslie’s Rosetown Romance series. This book follows Olivia, a single mum with a hopeless love life as some would say. We follow her journey of juggling being a mum, working at the local patisserie, false accusations and Mr Gorgeous…
I DEVOURED this book! The humour, writing and character development was so perfect and had me hooked. I was so excited to read Olivia’s story but also see where previous characters from Just For a While ended up. I couldn’t wait to meet Olivia’s daughter!
May I add that the involvement of the Gazette was hilarious and such a fun way to display the craziness the town holds!
My favourite character by far in this book was Jake! His sass and attitude had me cackling. I loved his friendship with Olivia and how he somewhat tries to assist her with her life problems.
A special mention to Ollie too. She is so lucky to have a mum like Olivia! I loved Ollie’s little comments too, she has such a personality!
I also loved Olivia and Riley’s journey. The misconceptions, surprises and realisations made their relationship such a fun one!
This book is fantastic and I highly recommend to anyone! It won’t take you long to fall in love with these characters, Rosetown and Zøe’s amazing writing!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Olivia Breckenridge ~ We’re assimilating Jake, what a pair of lonesome lovers we are.
Riley Evans ~ Abso-pumpkin-lutely
I’ve been searching for the perfect autumn romance book and I have finally found it.
Hearts, Leaves and Other Falling Leaves is the second book in Zøe Haslie’s Rosetown Romance series. This book follows Olivia, a single mum with a hopeless love life as some would say. We follow her journey of juggling being a mum, working at the local patisserie, false accusations and Mr Gorgeous…
I DEVOURED this book! The humour, writing and character development was so perfect and had me hooked. I was so excited to read Olivia’s story but also see where previous characters from Just For a While ended up. I couldn’t wait to meet Olivia’s daughter!
May I add that the involvement of the Gazette was hilarious and such a fun way to display the craziness the town holds!
My favourite character by far in this book was Jake! His sass and attitude had me cackling. I loved his friendship with Olivia and how he somewhat tries to assist her with her life problems.
A special mention to Ollie too. She is so lucky to have a mum like Olivia! I loved Ollie’s little comments too, she has such a personality!
I also loved Olivia and Riley’s journey. The misconceptions, surprises and realisations made their relationship such a fun one!
This book is fantastic and I highly recommend to anyone! It won’t take you long to fall in love with these characters, Rosetown and Zøe’s amazing writing!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olivia Breckenridge has spent years putting everyone else first, especially her six-year-old daughter, Ollie. Between raising a child on her own, keeping a struggling pâtisserie running, and dealing with an unreliable ex, romance is the last thing on her mind. She has enough on her plate without adding a handsome stranger to the mix.
Then Riley arrives in Rosetown, bringing unexpected chemistry, playful banter, and feelings Olivia is not quite ready to face. With autumn festivities filling the town and her past refusing to stay in the background, Olivia must decide whether she can make room for something new without risking the stability she has fought so hard to build.
Sometimes, finding happiness means letting go of the life you thought you had to settle for and daring to believe that you deserve more.
One of my favorite aspects is that Olivia’s journey is about more than finding love. It is also about learning to trust, accepting support, and realizing that her past does not have to determine her future. The small-town community and its amusing characters add plenty of lighthearted moments to balance the more emotional parts.
I would recommend this book to readers who love single-mom romances, charming small towns, autumn festivities, slow-building relationships, and stories about second chances at happiness. It is a lovely choice for anyone looking for a heartwarming romance with cozy seasonal vibes.
Then Riley arrives in Rosetown, bringing unexpected chemistry, playful banter, and feelings Olivia is not quite ready to face. With autumn festivities filling the town and her past refusing to stay in the background, Olivia must decide whether she can make room for something new without risking the stability she has fought so hard to build.
Sometimes, finding happiness means letting go of the life you thought you had to settle for and daring to believe that you deserve more.
One of my favorite aspects is that Olivia’s journey is about more than finding love. It is also about learning to trust, accepting support, and realizing that her past does not have to determine her future. The small-town community and its amusing characters add plenty of lighthearted moments to balance the more emotional parts.
I would recommend this book to readers who love single-mom romances, charming small towns, autumn festivities, slow-building relationships, and stories about second chances at happiness. It is a lovely choice for anyone looking for a heartwarming romance with cozy seasonal vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small-town autumn romance, single mom, secret history, cozy closed-door charm!!
This one is pure autumn coziness wrapped in pages, like a warm cinnamon roll on a crisp October morning! 🥹🧡
Olivia is doing her absolute best running the town pâtisserie, raising her sweet daughter, and keeping everything running smoothly, even if it means life feels a little too full and a little too busy. Rosetown is adorable but very opinionated, everyone has a comment, everyone knows your business, and everyone has a theory about your love life. The last thing she needs is someone new shaking things up. Then Riley arrives, confident, easygoing, and way too charming for her peace of mind. She doesn't remember him at all… but he's remembered her all this time. 🥺✨
Between pumpkin festivals, chaotic bake offs, and decorations that refuse to behave, they keep bumping into each other, and every conversation feels a little lighter, a little brighter, than the last. He's patient with her busy days, kind to her daughter, and sees the parts of her she's too tired to show anyone else. It's soft, funny, and utterly heartwarming, watching someone learn that letting go doesn't mean losing control, and that falling doesn't always have to hurt. Sometimes it just means you've finally found something worth landing for. 🍂💛
Perfect if you love your romances gentle, witty, and full of that wonderful "everyone knows everyone" small town warmth. Just lovely! 😊
This one is pure autumn coziness wrapped in pages, like a warm cinnamon roll on a crisp October morning! 🥹🧡
Olivia is doing her absolute best running the town pâtisserie, raising her sweet daughter, and keeping everything running smoothly, even if it means life feels a little too full and a little too busy. Rosetown is adorable but very opinionated, everyone has a comment, everyone knows your business, and everyone has a theory about your love life. The last thing she needs is someone new shaking things up. Then Riley arrives, confident, easygoing, and way too charming for her peace of mind. She doesn't remember him at all… but he's remembered her all this time. 🥺✨
Between pumpkin festivals, chaotic bake offs, and decorations that refuse to behave, they keep bumping into each other, and every conversation feels a little lighter, a little brighter, than the last. He's patient with her busy days, kind to her daughter, and sees the parts of her she's too tired to show anyone else. It's soft, funny, and utterly heartwarming, watching someone learn that letting go doesn't mean losing control, and that falling doesn't always have to hurt. Sometimes it just means you've finally found something worth landing for. 🍂💛
Perfect if you love your romances gentle, witty, and full of that wonderful "everyone knows everyone" small town warmth. Just lovely! 😊
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cute, easy fall romance. You will love that characters and the autumn vibes!
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things by Zøe Haslie follows Olivia, a young single mum trying to juggle raising her daughter, working at a local pâtisserie, and keeping her life on track in a town where everyone seems to have an opinion about everyone else's business. The last thing she's looking for is romance, but then Riley comes along and makes that a little harder to stick to. With its autumn setting, small-town gossip, and an unexpected connection from the past, the story explores the possibility of finding love when life is already complicated enough.
One character I particularly loved was Jake. He brought so much sass and personality to the story, and I honestly think the book would have been missing something without his energy. I found myself really enjoying the moments he was in, and he added a bit of fun that stood out to me. On the other hand, I wish I had felt more connected to Olivia and Riley. I think a little more depth to their characters would have helped me understand them better and feel more invested in their relationship. The story had a lot of potential, but I would have loved to feel a stronger connection to the two characters at the centre of it all.
I'd recommend Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things to readers who enjoy cosy small-town romances, autumn settings, and lighthearted stories with a bit of sass and humour. Ultimately, it's a cute, easygoing read with a charming premise and perfect fall vibes.
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things by Zøe Haslie follows Olivia, a young single mum trying to juggle raising her daughter, working at a local pâtisserie, and keeping her life on track in a town where everyone seems to have an opinion about everyone else's business. The last thing she's looking for is romance, but then Riley comes along and makes that a little harder to stick to. With its autumn setting, small-town gossip, and an unexpected connection from the past, the story explores the possibility of finding love when life is already complicated enough.
One character I particularly loved was Jake. He brought so much sass and personality to the story, and I honestly think the book would have been missing something without his energy. I found myself really enjoying the moments he was in, and he added a bit of fun that stood out to me. On the other hand, I wish I had felt more connected to Olivia and Riley. I think a little more depth to their characters would have helped me understand them better and feel more invested in their relationship. The story had a lot of potential, but I would have loved to feel a stronger connection to the two characters at the centre of it all.
I'd recommend Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things to readers who enjoy cosy small-town romances, autumn settings, and lighthearted stories with a bit of sass and humour. Ultimately, it's a cute, easygoing read with a charming premise and perfect fall vibes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Zøe Haslie has completely outdone herself with Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things! If you are looking for the ultimate autumn read, this is it. Returning to Rosetown felt like stepping right into a warm episode of Gilmore Girls;complete with quirky, nosy neighbors, local gossip, and community events where the entire town is far too invested in everyone else's business.
Olivia is such a relatable, hardworking 23 year old single mom. Between raising her adorable six year
old daughter and working hard at the town's beloved pâtisserie, the absolute last thing she has time for is romance.
Enter Riley: he is charming, annoyingly confident, and completely throws her uncomplicated life off balance. What makes their slow-burn chemistry even better is the fantastic "he remembers her, but she doesn't remember him" dynamic. The history on his end adds the perfect layer of tension and flirty banter to their relationship.
From festive pumpkin festivals and bake off disasters to chaotic runaway decorations, this story kept me smiling from start to finish. Zøe Haslie has written a beautiful, heartwarming romance that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. You need to definitely read this one!
Olivia is such a relatable, hardworking 23 year old single mom. Between raising her adorable six year
old daughter and working hard at the town's beloved pâtisserie, the absolute last thing she has time for is romance.
Enter Riley: he is charming, annoyingly confident, and completely throws her uncomplicated life off balance. What makes their slow-burn chemistry even better is the fantastic "he remembers her, but she doesn't remember him" dynamic. The history on his end adds the perfect layer of tension and flirty banter to their relationship.
From festive pumpkin festivals and bake off disasters to chaotic runaway decorations, this story kept me smiling from start to finish. Zøe Haslie has written a beautiful, heartwarming romance that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. You need to definitely read this one!
October 31, 2026
“So, come for the cider.
Stay for the gossip.
Fall in love with Rosetown.”
(And to find out what happened with the goat in 2022)
🍁Small town romance
🍁Single mum & her daughter’s teacher
🍁Yearning & slow burn
🍁Rosetown Fall Festival
🍁All the small town gossip
🍁Past connection reigniting
4.5 ⭐️ ‘Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things’ is a small town romance with a single mum FMC, found family, and a whole lot of Rosetown town gossip and quirks. It made me think of stepping into a world like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls where the town is its own unique feature. The whole book was full of Gilmore Girls vibes - cozy, wholesome, and hopeful. Who doesn’t love small town gossip?
Lots of harmless chaos unfolds, slow burn romance, and some serious yearning from our MMC. Throughout it all, a meddling town newspaper commentates with their most out of pocket takes. At times the dialogue felt a bit stilted, but it didn’t take away from the original story, just took a little longer to get into. I really enjoyed reading it for some cosy escapism. 🧡
I hadn’t read the first book in the series so I would say this can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for a small town romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sharing this ARC! #NetGalley #HeartsLeavesOtherFallingThings
Stay for the gossip.
Fall in love with Rosetown.”
(And to find out what happened with the goat in 2022)
🍁Small town romance
🍁Single mum & her daughter’s teacher
🍁Yearning & slow burn
🍁Rosetown Fall Festival
🍁All the small town gossip
🍁Past connection reigniting
4.5 ⭐️ ‘Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things’ is a small town romance with a single mum FMC, found family, and a whole lot of Rosetown town gossip and quirks. It made me think of stepping into a world like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls where the town is its own unique feature. The whole book was full of Gilmore Girls vibes - cozy, wholesome, and hopeful. Who doesn’t love small town gossip?
Lots of harmless chaos unfolds, slow burn romance, and some serious yearning from our MMC. Throughout it all, a meddling town newspaper commentates with their most out of pocket takes. At times the dialogue felt a bit stilted, but it didn’t take away from the original story, just took a little longer to get into. I really enjoyed reading it for some cosy escapism. 🧡
I hadn’t read the first book in the series so I would say this can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for a small town romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for sharing this ARC! #NetGalley #HeartsLeavesOtherFallingThings
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s just something about a small-town romance that makes me happy, and this book gave me that cozy autumn feeling I love!
I really enjoyed following Olivia, a single mom trying to balance motherhood, work, and the unexpected changes in her life, while slowly finding herself drawn to Riley, her charming new neighbor. Their banter, the little moments between them, and the way their connection develops made this such a sweet rom-com to settle into.
I especially loved the small-town atmosphere, the fall festival vibes, and the community of different characters who add so much warmth and humour to the story. The patisserie details were another lovely touch, and I could practically imagine the smell of freshly baked pastries while reading!
What I appreciated most was that the romance wasn’t just about falling for someone. Olivia also has her own fears and responsibilities to navigate, which adds a more heartfelt layer to the story. But Riley had my heart and his story of how he has always waited and loved Olivia, its the kind of romance which I look in the books ❤️
Overall, this was a cute, comforting read with plenty of small-town charm, playful moments, and autumn coziness.
I really enjoyed following Olivia, a single mom trying to balance motherhood, work, and the unexpected changes in her life, while slowly finding herself drawn to Riley, her charming new neighbor. Their banter, the little moments between them, and the way their connection develops made this such a sweet rom-com to settle into.
I especially loved the small-town atmosphere, the fall festival vibes, and the community of different characters who add so much warmth and humour to the story. The patisserie details were another lovely touch, and I could practically imagine the smell of freshly baked pastries while reading!
What I appreciated most was that the romance wasn’t just about falling for someone. Olivia also has her own fears and responsibilities to navigate, which adds a more heartfelt layer to the story. But Riley had my heart and his story of how he has always waited and loved Olivia, its the kind of romance which I look in the books ❤️
Overall, this was a cute, comforting read with plenty of small-town charm, playful moments, and autumn coziness.
October 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Hearts, Leaves and other falling things will be released November 2nd 2026.
Olivia is a 23 year old single mom to a 6 year old daughter. She works at the towns most popular and loved pastry shop. Think of Gilmore Girls with an autumn setting. Rosetown comes with a small community feel where everyone knows you, your business, and help with all the gossip. This town loves gossip so much they even have a paper that will let you know it all.
Olivia is just trying to keep her life together for her daughter. Dealing with an ex who isn’t reliable, while running the store while her boss leaves for awhile. Then Riley shows up and throws her off. She can’t help how he makes her feel, and he remembers her from years ago. She can’t remember him, and can’t trust her judgment with men. Can she just ignore her feelings and focus on all the things she has planned?
This is book 2 Rosetown series. I didn’t read book 1, and was not lost. I enjoyed a lot of this book. A few parts of the story didn’t make sense or for me add to ten story. I do think many who love romances without all the spice will enjoy this book. 3.5⭐️
Olivia is a 23 year old single mom to a 6 year old daughter. She works at the towns most popular and loved pastry shop. Think of Gilmore Girls with an autumn setting. Rosetown comes with a small community feel where everyone knows you, your business, and help with all the gossip. This town loves gossip so much they even have a paper that will let you know it all.
Olivia is just trying to keep her life together for her daughter. Dealing with an ex who isn’t reliable, while running the store while her boss leaves for awhile. Then Riley shows up and throws her off. She can’t help how he makes her feel, and he remembers her from years ago. She can’t remember him, and can’t trust her judgment with men. Can she just ignore her feelings and focus on all the things she has planned?
This is book 2 Rosetown series. I didn’t read book 1, and was not lost. I enjoyed a lot of this book. A few parts of the story didn’t make sense or for me add to ten story. I do think many who love romances without all the spice will enjoy this book. 3.5⭐️
October 8, 2026
Thank you so much Zøe Haslie for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Romantic, sweet and fun!
Olivia Breckenridge loves her job working at Sophie’s Patisserie and loves her daughter Ollie, despite being a single mum with the father barely in the picture. Olivia is so focused on raising her daughter she doesn’t have time for romance, especially not in the small town of Rosetown where everyone knows everyone.
But romance often comes when least expected and sometimes the one is hiding in plain sight. Sometimes he wanders into the patisserie for a cup of coffee. And sometimes you accidentally mistake him for someone else.
Riley Evans has returned to Rosetown to teach at the local primary school and live in his Grandma’s old house. He never planned on staying longer than a year but one woman turns all his plans upside down. And he wouldn’t change anything in the world for it. Will their new relationship be able to turn into something deeper?
I loved this one so much! I was hooked immediately - despite not having read the first book and not knowing the town - but I adored every moment! Olivia was so relatable and I loved Ollie so much and when we met Riley?! Omg someone find me my own Riley asap because that man was insane! He was attractive, smart, fun, thoughtful, hot, genuine, kind… I could go on and on about all of his traits because man! He was crazy good.
This was so easy to get into and I found myself flying through the pages, desperate to know how their story would end. I loved the small town setting, how close everyone was and how fun the community was. It had the perfect cosy vibes with pumpkins and gossip and was such a fun read that I would highly recommend! It had me wishing I had my own small town to stay in full of holiday fun, gossip and the perfect romance!
Perfect for fans of a fast-paced, lighthearted romance full of fun, romance and small town adventure!
Romantic, sweet and fun!
Olivia Breckenridge loves her job working at Sophie’s Patisserie and loves her daughter Ollie, despite being a single mum with the father barely in the picture. Olivia is so focused on raising her daughter she doesn’t have time for romance, especially not in the small town of Rosetown where everyone knows everyone.
But romance often comes when least expected and sometimes the one is hiding in plain sight. Sometimes he wanders into the patisserie for a cup of coffee. And sometimes you accidentally mistake him for someone else.
Riley Evans has returned to Rosetown to teach at the local primary school and live in his Grandma’s old house. He never planned on staying longer than a year but one woman turns all his plans upside down. And he wouldn’t change anything in the world for it. Will their new relationship be able to turn into something deeper?
I loved this one so much! I was hooked immediately - despite not having read the first book and not knowing the town - but I adored every moment! Olivia was so relatable and I loved Ollie so much and when we met Riley?! Omg someone find me my own Riley asap because that man was insane! He was attractive, smart, fun, thoughtful, hot, genuine, kind… I could go on and on about all of his traits because man! He was crazy good.
This was so easy to get into and I found myself flying through the pages, desperate to know how their story would end. I loved the small town setting, how close everyone was and how fun the community was. It had the perfect cosy vibes with pumpkins and gossip and was such a fun read that I would highly recommend! It had me wishing I had my own small town to stay in full of holiday fun, gossip and the perfect romance!
Perfect for fans of a fast-paced, lighthearted romance full of fun, romance and small town adventure!
October 31, 2026
This was such a charming and heartwarming read, with a lovely setting and a whole cast of quirky small-town characters that add plenty of personality to the story. If you're a fan of the cozy, close-knit community vibes of Gilmore Girls, especially with a little autumn atmosphere, this one might be just what you're looking for!
I really liked both Olivia and Riley, although I would have loved to see more interactions between them to make their connection feel a little stronger. The story definitely leans more towards the comedy side of the RomCom, with plenty of silly and amusing small-town moments. While I personally would have enjoyed a bit more romance, the humor and the town's eccentric characters still made for an entertaining read.
Overall, this is a sweet, feel-good story that offers a fun escape into a charming little town. Perfect if you're in the mood for quirky characters, cozy fall vibes, and the beginning of a lovely romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I really liked both Olivia and Riley, although I would have loved to see more interactions between them to make their connection feel a little stronger. The story definitely leans more towards the comedy side of the RomCom, with plenty of silly and amusing small-town moments. While I personally would have enjoyed a bit more romance, the humor and the town's eccentric characters still made for an entertaining read.
Overall, this is a sweet, feel-good story that offers a fun escape into a charming little town. Perfect if you're in the mood for quirky characters, cozy fall vibes, and the beginning of a lovely romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2026
🍂 A cozy little Fall escape! 🍂
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook!
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things by Zøe Haslie was such a cute, cozy read! Rosetown gave me Gilmore Girls meets Virgin River vibes, and honestly, I wanted to jump right into the pages and live there!
I LOVED the fall atmosphere! The small-town charm, autumn vibes, and cozy romance made this the perfect Fall read. 🍁
My only complaints would be, it started a bit slow. I even put it down, but glad I opened it back up.
I also felt like the issues between Olivia and her mom, Nora, were left a little unfinished. I understand this is part of a series, but my understanding was that each book could be read as a standalone, so I would have liked a little more closure there.
Still, I absolutely loved Rosetown and its charm. I could picture myself settling right in… although I might have to find a way to get rid of Mrs. Hendrix first. 😂
If you're looking for a sweet small-town romance with all the cozy Fall feels, this one is worth picking up! ❤️🍂
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook!
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things by Zøe Haslie was such a cute, cozy read! Rosetown gave me Gilmore Girls meets Virgin River vibes, and honestly, I wanted to jump right into the pages and live there!
I LOVED the fall atmosphere! The small-town charm, autumn vibes, and cozy romance made this the perfect Fall read. 🍁
My only complaints would be, it started a bit slow. I even put it down, but glad I opened it back up.
I also felt like the issues between Olivia and her mom, Nora, were left a little unfinished. I understand this is part of a series, but my understanding was that each book could be read as a standalone, so I would have liked a little more closure there.
Still, I absolutely loved Rosetown and its charm. I could picture myself settling right in… although I might have to find a way to get rid of Mrs. Hendrix first. 😂
If you're looking for a sweet small-town romance with all the cozy Fall feels, this one is worth picking up! ❤️🍂
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this book with heartwarming small town fall vibes. Olivia is a single mom with a six year old and works at the local patisserie. When the owner leaves for France, she asks Olivia to run her shop while she’s gone. Olivia also knows she has to get ready for the town’s annual fall festival. A man, Riley, shows up and mentions he remembers her but she doesn’t think she remembers him. He also happens to be her daughter’s teacher. Then Olivia finds out they’re neighbors and the house willed to him he can’t sell for a year and then he might leave. When it’s time for the Pumpkin Spice dance Olivia sees that Riley who’s been hanging out with Julie are at the dance together. Is she jealous? She talks to Riley and says I do remember you, but then Julie shows up. Is it possible that Olivia might end up with Riley?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
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