Poppy’s tried a lot of things. Yoga instruction. Pizza making. So far, none of them have seemed like her thing. Still, she doesn’t have to know where her life is headed to live it with enthusiasm.
Ever since his wife’s death, Ryan’s thrown himself into his work. Launching a successful new app will secure his children’s future…even if it means he can’t spend much time with them now.
As a short-term nanny for Ryan’s children, Poppy brings some much-needed fun and laughter. She’s never been one to commit, so why is she feeling so attached to these children…and even more, to their dad? Could it be she’s found her place at last?
This funny, feel-good romance contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Parmesan Croutons.
USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Ethridge loves watching waves at the beach, eating the perfect taco, and reading books that leave her with a smile. Some would say her superpower is keeping alive one husband, three children, and six guinea pigs during their adventures across Texas--but that's not entirely true. She actually earned her sparkly cape for writing her signature style of Sweet Escape Romances--stories with hope, heart and happily-ever-after--for Harlequin's Love Inspired line, Hallmark Publishing, and Laurel Lock Publishing. One reader (who wasn't her mother) called Kristen's books "very good escape fiction" and that's pretty much the nicest thing anyone's ever said to her.
My favorite autumn themed Hallmark movie so I knew I had to read it. First of all,can we talk about the book's cover? Gorgeous! The story inside doesn't disappoint either. Almost word for word and scene for scene as the movie. Its a sweet story about a widowed business man with two lively children and a can't commit ,fun loving nanny who finds fun ,laughter and love in each other but most of all they find family and forever. With autumn festivals, pumpkin patches and Halloween it's such a fun seasonal read. It really should be a yearly tradition and will be one for me.
October Kiss is just what I needed in a book right now. A beautiful Autumn cover to pick up the mood and what a fun,feel good book. This Autumn book is perfect for reading while you're snuggling with your cat and sipping tea. Young twenty something, Poppy is bursting with energy,not quite sure what she wants to do career-wise, she was fired from 2 jobs in one day she bounces from job to job trying them out. Taking care of her sister's kids she decides to be a pretend nanny to a young,handsome workaholic. After all she feels bad for his kids and knows they need the attention he's not giving them,after all they and him too can only benefit, right? Not knowing this was a Hallmark movie when I read this I enjoyed it very much. But I can definitely see how it was a Hallmark movie. It has a great,moving feel good plot and it's a clean romance which is a big plus. I would definitely love to read more Hallmark books soon. Pub Date 02 Aug 2018 I was given a complimentary copy from Hallmark Publishing. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely adore this beautiful cover. This book is an excellent way to get you in the mood for Autumn and light romance. It will propel you into the mood for walking among those colorful leaves on the ground, go for a drive to see the scenery out in the country or mountains, go to pumpkin patches, go for bonfires, hayrides, apple cider, apple dunkin', Halloween decorations, and etc.
I had no idea this book was based on the movie on Hallmark. I don't know which is better, the book or the movie. I haven't seen the movie. I hardly watch television nowadays.
This story is so sweet, gentle, and light reading. You'll fall in love with most of the characters.
I wouldn't mind reading more books from Hallmark just to get me in a lighter happy mood.
I'll give it a low 4 stars.
I received this heartwarming ARC from Hallmark Publishing through Net Galley in exchange for my honest unbiased review. Thank you! Love the cover!
A cute love story, which was originally a Hallmark Channel movie, made its mark on my heart with its warmth. I loved the bubbles of happiness that coursed through me, while reading this book, each popping up to bring in my smile. It was that kinda book.
Kristen Ethridge’s words had me falling in love with the main character Poppy who was etched oh so lovingly in trails of enthusiasm and sensitivity. I adored the way she dealt with kids, the ideal nanny/mother. She knew the right words to say to them. Ryan, on the other hand, was completely a workaholic, making his phone apps, who had lost his way and needed a nudge to make time for his family.
I loved the play of contrasts in both the characters yet they had a deep sense of family in them. Kristen’s writing simply made me happy. Opposites attract and in land of Hallmark, the path of love is almost always smooth and sweet. And so was this book.
A completely warm feel good autumnal romance that had me smiling and sighing…
This is my first time reading a book written by Kristen Ethridge. I really like the author's writing style. It is a fun read!
I love how "October Kiss" is themed around the fun and silliness of Halloween. "The simple joy of making the season special had fused them together like the three colors of candy corn" (pg. 76). "A smile that glowed brighter than a jack-o'-lantern lit up his daughter's face" (pg. 97). "Ryan's smile melted Poppy's heart like caramel ready to be poured over a juicy fall apple" (pg. 134)
I especially love Poppy's character. She is so funny and eccentric and says all the best lines! She is someone "who seemed to bring metaphorical glitter and rainbows - and even some real glitter and decorations - wherever she went" (pg. 178).
This is my critique of the book. "Hitting on the nanny - Ryan had just become every cliche in the single-dad book. Ugh" (pg. 148). I agree with this statement. "October Kiss" read like a Comedy and didn't necessarily need to have a romance between the single dad and the nanny.
Though this story did center around Ryan and Poppy falling in love, I appreciated the connection more between Poppy and the kids: Zach and Zoe. I thought there was more depth and quality time between the nanny and the children which grew in great admiration and respect.
The book came with an Epilogue... what happens with Poppy and Ryan and the Larson family one year later. I never really liked the title of the book, until the Epilogue. "It had all started with an October kiss..." (pg. 241).
At the end of the book is a recipe for Pumpkin Soup with Parmesan Croutons.
The Message of "October Kiss": * Face your Fears. * Knowing what doesn't work for you is just as important as knowing what does. * The importance of connecting in real life (and not on social media). "Nothing else would matter if he gained a fortune of money but lost his kids along the way" (pg. 229).
I highly recommend!
"The whole scene looked magical. Like a Halloween happily ever after" (pg. 144).
This is the first book I've read that was based on a movie, and since I haven't seen the movie I didn't have any expectations for what the book should be. Poppy Summerall hasn't yet found what she really wants to do in life. She didn't finish her college degree, and she's tried being a yoga instructor, and working in a pizza place which didn't work out too well. She's living with her sister, Megan, to help with her niece and nephew while Megan's husband is deployed. Poppy loves her family, autumn, especially Halloween.
Ryan Larson is a widower with two young children, who still seems to be adjusting to single-parenthood. He's very focused on the upcoming launch of his new app, relying on its launch to secure his children's future. He keeps telling himself once the launch is done in a few weeks everything in his life will settle down, and he will be able to give Zoe and Zach the attention and care they need. He's been through a slew of nannies the past few months and hires Poppy because Megan's kids play with Zoe and Zach.
Poppy originally came across to me as a little flaky and a free spirit, until she becomes Ryan's latest nanny. She's just what this family needed, especially the kids. She tries to get Ryan to understand that work will always be there and his children need his attention now, but it didn't really sink in until he missed the school carnival. I LOVED the "evaluation scene", and was truly surprised that Ryan took it to heart like he did.
Ryan loves his children but is a workaholic. He was used to having his wife, Laurie, run the household and do most of the parenting while he worked. He kept telling himself that the launch of his app was to secure his children's future and after the big launch he'd have more time for his children, but I felt that without Poppy it wouldn't have worked out that way. Poppy helped him see his priorities were mixed up.
This was a heartwarming story, and I didn't feel it was sappy in any way. I'm glad it had an epilogue showing a glimpse into their lives a year later. What a difference a year makes. Thanks to NetGalley and Hallmark publishing to allowing me to read and review this book.
Poppy’s tried a lot of things. Yoga instruction. Pizza making. So far, none of them have seemed like her thing. Still, she doesn’t have to know where her life is headed to live it with enthusiasm.
Ever since his wife’s death, Ryan’s thrown himself into his work. Launching a successful new app will secure his children’s future…even if it means he can’t spend much time with them now.
As a short-term nanny for Ryan’s children, Poppy brings some much-needed fun and laughter. She’s never been one to commit, so why is she feeling so attached to these children…and even more, to their dad? Could it be she’s found her place at last?
Poppy is such a fun character and how she makes the kids feel is a warm feeling. But as she starts falling for Ryan and he starts falling for her things get complicated by Ryan's associate who is very interested in Ryan. This story made you want to be there and be a part of all the fun shopping for Halloween decorations and pumpkins. Putting up all the decorations and making costumes. I do remember watching this Hallmark movie and enjoying it.
I received this from NetGalley and Hallmark for an honest review.
I checked this one of the library, because I was in need of a guaranteed HEA to help me through a book hangover. As expected, this did the trick.
I must confess, that I am an avid Hallmarkie, and therefore, knew exactly what I was getting myself into. The book captured all the adorable and happy feels of the movie. I saw this movie, and remembered all of book, except for the epilogue. Maybe that was original content for the book? Either way, I am a BIG fan of epilogues, and this one was icing on the cake for me.
I would rate this 10/10 if I could! I felt like I could really relate to Poppy as a person. This was just such a good story! Loved the humour, feel good, happy ending romance vibes! 🤎
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I have to tell you...I really liked the movie that this was taken from. What I really like about these Hallmark books is that, despite already seeing the movies, gives more insight to the characters that we don't see on the screen.
Poppy has commitment issues. She can't commit to a job, a guy, anything. That's why she's got a new business card with the title "Temporary Yours." That is, until, she meets a handsome workaholic in the lookout for a nanny for his two unruly kids.
Just one more deal. After that, Ryan is convinced he can spend all the time in the world for his kids. that is, until Poppy shows up and turns his life completely upside down.
This book is appropriate for all ages and makes sure to check out the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "October Kiss."
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So this is one of those feel good reads. If you’re looking for a good lazy afternoon read then this is the one for you. It has the perfect amount of all the elements. Poppy such a lovable character and her chemistry with Ryan who is a single father just makes you fall for them together. I mean this book was made into a Hallmark movie so that ought to tell you all you need to know. If you need the warm and fuzzies this is the book for you.
This was a typical HEA Hallmark movie. One I actually saw, by the way. I loved the movie and the book even more. As promised, Hallmark finished it. In this case they married, increas/ me by the publisher and the author in return for an honest review.
Poppy had spent her whole adult life drifting from one idea to another, like a balloon. A human balloon, that’s what she’d been. But not anymore. She was committed. These kids needed her.
This was a super cute book based off a Hallmark movie. (I did see the movie once.) Funny, clever and lighthearted, it helped put me into the fall spirit.
Very hallmark- predictable ending, cheesy, but so cute 🥰 very good for what it was. definitely an easy read and nice to put me in the fall spirit! 🍂 can’t wait to watch the movie
Poppy is a young energetic twenty something, who has no idea what she wants out of life. She has tried so many jobs and is fired twice in one day. While visiting with her sister, she acknowledges how much she loves spending time with her niece and nephew. Her sister finds her a new job, being a nanny for a friend, Ryan, who is a single dad with two children. The kids don't want her there, so after one day she decides to quit, but this young, handsome workaholic convinces her to stay on until Hallowe'en. She says yes, determined to give them the attention they need and are not getting from their dad. What she does not expect is to fall in love with the kids and their father. How can she be the nanny when she loves her employer.
This book is based on a Hallmark movie and it fits the bill perfectly. Kristen Ethridge did a great job with this book. The quirky Poppy was so well written and fun. I loved how the children changed from resistant to Poppy as a nanny, to wanting her to get together with their father. There were some funny situations, but also some sad and emotional ones. There were many times when I wanted to scream at Ryan when he stood his kids up after making a promise. A delightful, emotional and sappy story that I have come to expect and love from Hallmark movies, and in this case, a Hallmark book. An easy read, sweet romance, cute kids and a second chance romance for this workaholic dad. I definitely recommend that all romance lovers, especially those who love Hallmark movies grab this book.
Thank you net galley for a free copy of this book for an honest review, I'm a big fan of hallmark and October/fall so I was all in for this. I had seen the movie a few years ago and will be re watching asap. I thought this author did a great job of getting into the character's head and really understanding their actions. This book gave me good time feels and had me rooting for the character's as they fall in love and who couldn't love poppy. She was perfect fit for Ryan and his family. I would buy this book and read it every fall as the leaves turn colors!
This is one of the only true autumn/Halloween contemporary romances I’ve been able to find. It hit on the perfect aspects with decorating, costume making, pumpkin carving, food traditions and fun.
This is a no spice romance so any age group could enjoy this and discuss it without potential embarrassment.
Cons:
I don’t have a lot of complaints, this books doesn’t have anything wrong with it but it could also be called basic. It doesn’t stand out much other than being a Halloween romance. The characters, while not poorly written, could be the same characters in most any story.
This time of the year is perfect for a good fall romance and October Kiss delivers just that. With a full cast of funny and witty characters, this autumn take on stopping to smell the pumpkin spice reminds us all to slow down and not miss a minute. Great clean fun!!
Excellent book. Sweet, compassion and thoughtful. I love the main character of Poppy, she is s genuinely interested in making Zoe, Zach and Ryan renew their love and connect as a family.
This is a fairly cheerful book but by the end of it I was glad it was over as she got on my nerves due to being a wimp. It didn't help that I need oxygen! There was a nice surprise at the end but I prefer heroines with a little more backbone.
This is my favorite Autumn movie on Hallmark, so to be able to listen to the book form was amazing!! It followed the movie perfectly and added in extra information and and epilogue that wrapped everything up nicely!! I will relisten to this book yearly!!!
Well, reading this book definitely got me excited for the upcoming fall season! It's nice to have a story take place around Halloween and not only be fun, but sweet. I admit with the first chapter I was wondering where the book, and the character of Poppy, were headed. I didn't feel drawn in right away.
However, when Poppy uses her love for Halloween to try and bond with Ryan's children, I got hooked. As a creative person, you can't help but applaud Poppy's masterful ways of using what she loves to bring joy and smiles to people who need it most. Also, her frankness with Ryan about work was one of her strongest traits. Honesty is certainly the best policy, but the key is to do it in a way that gets people thinking but not feeling criticized. Poppy really shines more when she uses what she knows best!
I do wish there were more chapters for this book. I felt the character development was well written, but the length made me struggle to hold on to the flow of the story. The thing is, though, everyone has a different writing style so what works for one person may be different for another. I think I'm used to books with longer chapters, which is why I feel that way. Again, the story as a whole was pleasant and I loved the character development.
Also, who wouldn't want to have a homemade Halloween costume? That DEFINITELY fits the Hallmark theme to a T: homemade crafts.
Lastly, I won't spoil, but I think Abigail might surprise you by the end of the book. Don't be so quick to write her off!
I received this book for free from BookFunnel and Hallmark Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
It’s easy to see why Hallmark movies are so very popular to women who long for romance in their lives, and those who already have it but love to celebrate it. Finding that special someone gives even the simplest thing so much more pleasurable to experience when you’re with someone who truly understands you, faults and all. Poppy is somewhat of a misfit. She can’t seem to find her place in the world until she becomes a nanny for Ryan’s daughter Zoe and his son Zach. Through trial and error, and even some tears, these four lonely people come together during Autumn and make the days leading up to Halloween the most wonderful time of the year. This story is entertaining, engaging and a perfect way to celebrate my favorite season of the year. And on a side note, the colorful pumpkin illustrations throughout the text made me wish it was October instead of the dog days of Summer. I read an early copy of this book and all opinions expressed in this voluntary review are completely my own.
October Kiss tells the story of Poppy and Ryan. Poppy has been drifting through her adulthood trying to find what is right for her while Ryan is completely focused on getting his new app sold, to the detriment of his relationship with his children. Poppy agrees to be Ryan’s nanny to prove that she can stick with something, but maybe she’ll do more than she ever thought possible! I loved the characters of Poppy and Ryan. Poppy is the epitome of what I think all grownups feel at some point- lost and without focus and wondering what exactly you’re supposed to be doing and are you doing the right thing? She has a good heart and a good work ethic, but just hasn’t found her thing. I love how she interacts with the children and brings her zest for life to everyone! At first I thought Ryan was going to be the quintessential workaholic, but he actually is trying to remedy the situation! He is able to have fun with Poppy and the children and he truly is clueless about what other people’s motives are. I like how he put the feelings of his children first! This is the perfect book to read for the Fall and will definitely inspire my Fall bucket list. It is full of all that is best of the season and is like a how to for having Autumn fun. I enjoyed how the book wrapped up, however, I wish we had learned whether the big presentation was successful! Otherwise, a great Fall read to get you in the mood for the season and cosy romance. Thank you to Hallmark, the author and NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Like a cute Hallmark movie…Oh, wait, it is one. I enjoyed this so much. It’s a sweet story of a single dad finding love again. Poppy and Ryan were perfect. Abigail redeems herself. A story that fits the bill for what I needed.