Autumn at Apple Hill

by Angie Ellington

Elise Jacobs is ready for a change. A new beginning. Recently divorced, she relocates to her hometown of Landover, Maine to operate a bed and breakfast she inherited from her grandmother. After growing up with the fondest memories of her childhood being spent there, she relishes the chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to revive the inn. As summer gives way to Autumn, the inn is returning to its grandeur. A handsome guest sets out to challenge Elise at every turn. She knows the wealthy narcissistic type...or does she?
Luke Donovan is ready to trade banking for bon appetit with hopes of opening a bistro in a charming town he spent summers fishing with his dad and grandfather. Finding an obstinate innkeeper consuming his thoughts is more than he'd planned for a brief stay at the most idyllic home tucked within the rolling hills of an orchard.
Apple picking, wine tasting, and a festival await in this sweet opposites attract romantic comedy. Perhaps, a little fall magic will cast a spell on the grounds of the Apple Hill B and B.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Halloween, Fiction, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

About the author

Hi there! I'm Angie Ellington & I write contemporary women's fiction...a mashup of sweet romance with humor, heart, family, friendship, and love...it's all in the mixed recipe of my characters & their stories. One of my first books, Autumn at Apple Hill, was adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie in 2024 under the same name starring Erin Cahill & Wes Brown. :)

*Christmas in Fair Bend (2017) (Repubbed in 2022 as Christmas in Frost Bend)
*Autumn at Apple Hill (2017)
*Spring in Lilac Glen(2018)
*Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe' (2018)

Carlisle Bay Series
*Dancing by the Moonlight (2018)
*Dancing by the Christmas Lights (2019)


*Christmas at Mistletoe Ridge (2020)

Sweethearts of Valentine Series
*Be Mine in Valentine (2022)

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate Gabe.

Autumn at Apple Hill was a cute little book. In it, you will meet Elise. She married the love of her life when she was just 22 years old. Well, she thought he was the love of her life. Turns out Gabe sucked ass because he was cheating on her with a 22 year old 8 years into their marriage. Talk about heart break and well deserved divorce.

Elise goes back home to a B&B called Apple Hill. She grew up there so it was very nostalgic to go back and live her new life. Of course, romance is in the air because Luke comes into the picture. At first, these two start off on the wrong foot. Eventually, though, they start to feel something for one another. It was very cute to see everything grow between them.

Overall, this second chance at romance was enjoyable to listen to. Will definitely look forward to another cute book by this author.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elise married Gabe when she was 22 and he was 27 but it only lasted for 8 years. Elise discovered that Gabe was having an affair with a 22 year old girl and moved in with her. That ended their marriage and they got a divorce.

Elise's grandparents left her a "generational legacy" known as Apple Hill, a B&B. She had pretty much grown up at Apple Hill, or at least much of the book spent time allowing her to reminisce the many things she loved about it as a child and things she'd done there. It really was a pleasure for me to read about her childhood days at Apple Hill. With all the reminiscence she realizes this is where she is meant to be.

Along comes Luke Donovan who isn't the most pleasant person to her, but she doesn't want to give a poor image of Apple Hill so she does her best to be cordial to him. However, he began to grow on her, as one would predict. But Elise definitely had trust issues after what she'd gone through and had to decide whether or not to trust him.

I thought this was a cute story, but nothing earth-shattering. I listened to it on audio and I also had a physical copy. I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of it.

[Makaila · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute read with easy to love characters and a very predictable storyline. Being from Maine myself, I obviously loved the setting of the book and the nods at local spots and traditions that I am familiar with. I had two main issues with the book: (1) the atrocious amount of run-on sentences where someone will monologue and ramble. Most of it didn’t make any sense or even need to be said. (2) the characters used really proper language & long words for really casual conversations, which made most of what they said feel out of place or incredibly forced like it had no place there.

I think this could’ve been a really cute Hallmark worthy book if not for the strange words and downright odd editing. Enjoyed but wouldn’t recommend

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second chance romance story set in the autumn time in southern Maine. Elise is looking for a new beginning after a nasty divorce, and Luke is looking to find his old self again. They weren't looking for love, but they found each other. Nice read and fun characters.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Elise is trying to get her life back in order after her divorce. She's in need of a fresh start and decides to move to Landover, Maine to run the Bed and Breakfast she inherits from her grandmother. From the moment she arrives, she knows this is where she's meant to be and starts making plans to get the B&B back up and running.

Everything has been going perfectly until one particular guest arrives. Luke Donovan is an instant thorn in her side. With his snooty comments, she can't help but throw her own right back. But she knows that's not the image she wants to portray for the B&B. It will take everything she has to be pleasant towards him. Hopefully he will decide to move on sooner than he has planned.

But the more Luke is around Elise, the more she finds herself warming up to him. She starts to think that maybe her first impression is wrong because the more she gets to know him, the more she likes him.

Things seem to be going smoothly until one misunderstanding arises. Can Elise really trust Luke enough to give him a chance? Or will her insecurities be the end of their relationship? One thing is for sure, never underestimate the magic that seems to surround Apple Hill.

I enjoyed Autumn at Apple Hill. It was a cute book and had a lot of promise. But there were a few things that kept me from completely getting lost in it.

I'm not sure if it's a formatting issue or what but there didn't seem to be any kind of separation between characters and conversations. I had the hardest time trying to keep up with who was saying what. At one part in the book there were three people talking in the same paragraph and I couldn't tell you who was saying what.

Another thing that bothered me is when it would switch from different POV's without any warning. It happened in mid paragraph on several occasions and I found myself rereading various parts trying to figure out if I had missed the switch. One sentence would be Elise and the next would be Luke, only to switch back to Elise in the following sentence. It got confusing and a bit frustrating.

All in all, it was cute. I liked the overall idea of the book but sadly it fell a bit short for me.

As for my casting... I love these two!

[Aubrey Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not normally a harsh critic but this book is straight up bad. The writing is terrible and the dialogue feels so robotic. The whole “oh no they’re breaking up” moment felt so forced and unnecessary and when it happened I laughed out loud because it was so ridiculous.

[Erica Paré · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book. I had no idea what to expect at first judging by the title but quickly learned that it was to do with a family inn. Elise moves there after a nasty ex husband cheated, in hopes to reconnect with the feelings she got when visiting her grandparents. We discover that Elise is heartbroken, and although wanting love, doesnt quite give up on her suspicions of malice.
Luke is a business man who is going against his father's wishes. He is following his own dream of opening a like sandwich shop. He is honest, thoughtful, helpful and seems a little too good to be true to Elise. We watch as he helps her see the good in others, brings back her painting hobby and shows her how she can love again. I just was missing some sparks and passion between them.

[Wealie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 lacklustre stars - Stilted dialogue with wooden narration of a story about very little that didn't really engage. An instantly forgettable read and boring listen

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Ellington has a talent for making readers feel at home. Emily Coupe captures the sweet simplicity and fun personality of each character she portrays. Autumn at Apple Hill is a tale of second chances, new beginnings and rediscovering the power of love. Laughter, tears and heart are abundant. A feel good tale.

[Melindam · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars

Exactly middle of the road, though erring on the too-trite-for-me side. But as I wanted something autumn-y & this is currently included in the Audiblecom Plus catalogue, I'm upping the rating to 3.

[JAS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of slow. The conversations seem forced and not natural. I read via audio book. The narrator’s accident was so strange and hard to listen too. She announce vineyard as vine-yard like two different words. Also you could never tell when the main character was talking or thinking. I would not reread this book. The story has potential but it just feels underdeveloped or not complete some how.

[Katie Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, boy, this book was pretty bad. It was poorly written and even more poorly edited, and the romance thread was so cheesy. There was no significant tension! However, I loved the fall vibes- apples and pumpkins and lattes, oh my!

[Al verte entre líneas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yo ya sabía perfectamente donde me metía porque vi la película de Hallmark el año pasado. Como me apetece ponérmela de nuevo este otoño pensé mira oye antes del visionado puedo leerme “Autumn at Apple Hill” y observar cómo se ha adaptado a la pantalla.

SPOILER: CUESTA ABAJO Y SIN FRENOS 🤣

Elise una pava petarda y Luke un hombre que tiene 0 responsabilidad afectiva hacia él y los demás (0 novedades al respecto).

Puedo perdonar a Angie porque la novela es del 2017, pero como vuelva a leer a otra autora más diciendo que la protagonista tiene el STRAWBERRY BLONDE HAIR me arranco los ojos. Basta ya. Además en la portada ni rastro de ese tono. No entiendo nada. Tampoco comprendo cómo Hallmark llegó a esta obra y porque dice que está basada si solamente se ha respetado el título y el nombre de los protagonistas. 😆

Le hubiese adjudicado 3 estrellas (me he reído bastante de lo malo que es) buuut la edición es horrible (y la pluma también no vamos a negarlo 🤣). Capítulos de 5 minutos, otros de 20, Elise haciendo monólogos de 3 páginas (¿qué la pasa?) sobre lo buena que es, pero luego bien que se quiere llevar el 50% de los beneficios de las paraditas que los vendedores locales ponen en su bed and breakfast. This is America supongo.

Y después de todo este rant seguiré dejando en un rincón “Off to the Races” (que me está flipando) por “Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe” porque yo también soy incongruente desde que nací. 😝

13/9/25 PD: Definitely, prefiero la película. 😂 Erin Cahill está espléndida, las nuevas tramas son entretenidas, la localización preciosa (Winnipeg 💕) y básicamente todo lo que esperas de un producto made in Hallmark se cumple. 🙌🏼 Por poner un “pero”, hubiese sido interesante darle un hueco al rosal que describe Angie (como mínimo hubiese salido algo más de su libro en esos minutos 🙃).

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about finding love when its least expected. It is very well written and pulled at my heartstrings.

After a “not so happy” ending to her last relationship, Elise is given an opportunity for a fresh start. An unfortunate loss in the family has provided Elise with the chance to move home and to take over her family’s bed and breakfast. After much thought, she chooses to go back to the business that has filled her heart with pleasant childhood memories. While she is doing a great job keeping the inn running, Elise encounters a new guest.  She immediately labels him a “typical businessman” from the city and is all too familiar with his type; or is she?

Autumn at Apple Hill is an excellently smooth and quick read. I rate it with 4 Boundless stars and highly recommend it.

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[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ready for a stay at Apple Hill!

Another delightful read by Angie Ellington! I loved this cozy little story and want to escape to the inn at Apple Hill myself for a stay! Once again, she has written a story with engaging characters and a setting that would be a perfect Hallmark movie!

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute quick Autumn read to get you into those fall feels. Elise, starting over at her family inn meets week long guest, Luke, who just left Manhattan to also start anew and with some ups and downs in the span of that week they have their HEA. It was an enjoyable story, simple and predictable, but not in a bad way.

[Gnome Patronus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the story, it is cute, cozy, and fun. I rated a 3 because while this book is only 3.4 hours (at 1x speed) it needles more! We get quite a few info dumps via monologues and told and not shown. Double the length, give us the details, build on that stranger to lover, forced proximity and the emotional blow up!! Man, this one had so much potential!! I really REALLY wish it had more.

[Beth Sikora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Autumn at Apple Hill. It's a quick and easy read that keeps you wanting to turn the page. This book is a pleasant reminder for us to cherish our fondest memories of childhood, and the good things that can come from a fresh start.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book me a B&B

After reading this, I want to book a weekend at a bed and breakfast. What history a place like those have. I loved the characters, and it’s nice to be able to relate to their growth.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn at Apple Hill

A quick fun listen for when you don’t have a ton of On my way! But still want to listen to a good book. A very clean listen also for people who don’t want to super steamy parts. I enjoyed listening to this book and look forward to see what happens next.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this sweet romance. Elise inherits her grandparents bed and breakfast in a small town. This worked well for her post divorce. She meets Luke who rented a room at the inn. They get to know one another.They have their HEA. Rachael Franco did a great job with the narration.

[Krystle Krystlesbookclub · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dialogue felt awkward and forced. I could see this being a cute Hallmark movie but as a book it was a bit of a snooze fest.
The narrator was good though.
🔥 Second chance at love
🔥 Save the B&B
🔥 Opposites attract

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 the concept was sweet but the writing fell flat. Needs a really good editor and some more flushing out.

[Adriana Mastrangelo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just okay. I loved the small-town, b&b fall vibes but I felt there was hardly any character/relationship development. There could have also been more character intervention for growth.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this so much. I'm such a fan of corny Hallmark romance stories, but I did not enjoy this.

The writing is extremely clunky and weird. The dialogue is really unnatural and the formatting of some of the paragraphs didn't make any sense when two people were speaking to each other. There were several sentences that had repeating descriptors like, "She grabbed my hand and we danced and held hands" or "Your coffee is amazing, me and my husband were talking about your coffee." It was just...weird, I really don't know how else to describe it. It's like the writer finished that part and came back the next day and kept going without remembering what they wrote the day before. Lots of things were repeated so many times when they really didn't need to be. I remember two chapters ago that Luke is looking for land for his bistro, you do not have to mention it four more times.

The use of the word "guests" is so incredibly overused, it was actually making me mad. Seemingly every sentence had something about "the guests." I'm so sick of the guests and what the guests want and what the guests are doing. If I had played a drinking game everytime "guest" was mentioned, I'd be dead.

The whole climax of the book was a minuscule argument and then nothing else happens. The character development was alright. Everything romance-wise happened too quickly.

The only positive I can find is that it's a very cozy book with a nice fall theme. The environment of the book is really nice and the scenery is set well. Otherwise, I really think this needed more time on the editing table.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love small town romances and this one fits the bill perfectly. Elise has moved back home to run her family Bed and Breakfast. It has been her dream, and newly divorced sees this as her fresh start. When Luke comes in with his smug attitude, they clash immediately. But the more time they spend together, the more the air changes. This book has such a wonderfully warm feeling to it. You just want to visit this place and delve into the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the peacefulness. Elise is the person you would love to have as a friend. Her personality is warm and loving. Luke has some rough edges, but once smoothed out, he proves his worth. There are definitely some issues between the two. But that is what makes a great story. Ellington also adds in some funny scenes, like Elise and the biscuits...but you will have to listen to hear it! This is a great afternoon listen, relaxing for the weekend.

I have never heard Emily Coupe before and found she has a very pleasant voice.She has a variety of voices and for the most part it's easy to tell who is speaking. There are a couple of places it does get a little murky and then clears up again. Her pacing is good and she adds a lot to this story.

[Gina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington is a perfect book to read in the Autumn. It gave me all the cozy Fall feelings! The story is set in Maine in a Victorian Bed and Breakfast among an apple orchard. I enjoy reading seasonal books, and this author is one of my favorites for bringing me into a gorgeous Fall setting - New England foliage, hay rides, apple picking, baking pies, sipping pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider on the porch! This book really got me in the Fall spirit. It is a sweet story about a woman, Elise, who inherits a charming B&B and sets out to make it a memorable Fall on Apple Hill in honor of her grandparents who owned it prior to their passing. Great characters and I especially liked Nora, Elise’s assistant and friend. The staff at the B&B are all like family. A new handsome guest, Luke, and Elise start to hit it off together but Elise is wary due to a bad divorce she recently went through. I liked their cute banter and rooted for their happily ever after. The book concludes with the Apple Festival weekend and then a surprise ending. Please note this is a novella, about 235 pages. I really enjoyed it! Happy Reading!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a cozy Fall read that reminds you of a Hallmark movie, then this book is for you. It's a quick read and gives all the small town Fall vibes. This book isn't deep and there isn't a lot of character development, but I didn't expect any of that when I chose to read it. This is a cute, cozy book that may even tug at your heartstrings a bit.

Elise has taken over the family B & B in Apple Hill after her grandparents pass and meets Luke Donovan ... aka Mr. Manhattan. He doesn't make the best first impression, but things quickly change.

Second chance romance, close proximity, small town romance and a story filled with apple pie, pumpkins, lattes. and good coffee! It's no wonder this is being made into a Hallmark movie.

3.75 stars

[Jamie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written, sweet love story..

This book was very well written and easy to just keep on reading and lose track of things.. I was very pleased with the contemporary love story. It feels like a sweet hallmark book. Starts off with loss and feeing sad and alone to end with happiness and a bit of a twist too. Easy to fly threw the book took me two days and I didn’t even realize I was that close to the ending until I was chapter 21!

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elise is back in Apple Hill to run the bed and breaksfast she inhereted from her grandparents and start a new life after her divorce. Can charming Luke, make her believe in love again? Will Luke pursue his dreams of opening a bistro and leave behind his life in New York? A sweet love story about second chances and dreams coming true. The audiobook is great