Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies

by Stephanie Nichole

Rocker Gordon had it all. The model girlfriend, an NFL career and more money than he knew what to do with until one wrong play cost him everything. He knew his career would eventually end but he didn’t expect it to be so soon. Now, he’s returning back to his hometown to coach the local high school football team. It was always part of his long term plan but back then someone else was a part of it too.

Warbee Carter never had the desire to leave her hometown. She wanted the small town simple life with her granny’s bakery. So when Rocker left after high school graduation she knew she had to let him go for good. It broke her heart but also left her determined to fulfill the rest of her dreams.

When Rocker and Warbee end up back on the same football field they said goodbye on years before, will they be able to find their love again or has it changed just like the sky in autumn?

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

Published November 2, 2020

About the author

Stephanie Nichole is an Amazon Bestselling Author. She lives in a small town with her family in New Mexico. She graduated college in 2010 with a degree in business and accounting. However, her true passion is all things book related. As a student English and Literature were her favorite subjects. Weekly library trips with her mother also helped instill her love for books. Stephanie would look forward to summer most of all, not because she was out of school but for the summer reading groups at her local library. After a friend’s encouragement she started her author journey in 2016.


Stephanie is an avid book, music and old Hollywood movie lover. When she's not busy reading or writing she's probably binge watching Netflix.


Stephanie also loves to connect with her readers and love social media.


Reader's group: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeRG
Newletter: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeNL
Author page: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeFB
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeBB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WF23P0
Instagram: https://bit.ly/StephanieNicholeIG
Kingston Publishing Company Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KPCRe...

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies is book one in the Blue Ridge Series by Stephanie Nichole. I chose this because first, it was recommended to me and I love the beautiful cover. I love reading books with an autumn theme. This is my first book by this author.



Rocker Gordon is the town golden boy in the small town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. It’s his senior year and he plans to take his school football team all the way to the championship. And to be at the top of his game when the scouts come calling. Because playing football in college and then in the NFL is his dream. He certainly hadn’t planned on his sweet little lab partner in chemistry, Warbee Carter changing his life that year.

Warbee Carter is a junior in high school but is so smart, she’s taking classes ahead of her grade. She always knew who Rocker was and maybe even admired him from afar. Because the circles they traveled in most definitely did not mix. Warbee has no interest in leaving Blue Ridge. She loves working in her grandmother’s bakery and her only dream is to take it over one day when her granny retires. When Warbee is paired with Rocker in chemistry, she had no idea they would hit it off. He kept wanting to talk to her and he seemed flustered around her.

Warbee and Rocker’s year was filled with young love and all the firsts that go with it. But Warbee always knew that Rocker was destined for great things. She was destined to live her life in the town she loved. She knew she would have to let him go.



Eleven years later, Rocker is back in Blue Ridge. He played seven years in the NFL but suffered a career ending injury. He never thought it would end so soon but his plan was always to go home and hopefully coach his high school football team. As soon as he saw her, he knew that he still loved Warbee. Could he win her back? Do they have a second chance at the life he dreamed of with her?

This was a very sweet love story with a couple of surprises thrown in. When I first started it, I was worried because it started out as young adult. But then we transition to their second chance. Even though I did love both characters, and understand Warbee’s decisions, I still felt like they weren’t hers to make. She was trying to do the right thing but how does she know if they are the right thing for Rocker when he has no say in it? So that really bothered me. The little town was wonderful, though, and I enjoyed getting to know Warbee’s friends.

“Home is a person, not a place, and I found mine once again.”

[Barbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts in a nutshell

What a lovely little autumn story!
I really liked the friend support in this story. I loved the lovely, close-knit small town atmosphere.
The love between the two main characters was very cute. It even included an unexpected twist.

It put me in an autumn mood.
I recommend it for reading. 4 stars.

[Mary Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town romance fans, let me introduce you to your new favorite romance. This had all the small town charm and feel that it made me jealous I don't live in Blue Ridge! Rocker and Warbee are everything romance loving fans want in a sweet couple. Their story starts as teenagers. She's the quiet nerdy girl. He's the popular football player. Neither of them fits their stereotype. What starts out as unlikely friends turns into a love like no other. But their lives are meant for different paths. Leaving their hearts with a hole in it. Years later they cross paths and it might be their second chance. But there are things they don't know about each other and they've changed. They have to decide if they will forget their differences again or say goodbye to something their hearts have been craving. This is a must read romance. And I can't wait for more in this series. I not only fell in love with Warbee & Rocker. I fell in love with the supporting characters too. Another five star romance from Stephanie Nichole!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The story was sweet, but I found it simplistic and too convenient.

[Cherihy808 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I won this series a year ago on Facebook and I wanted to read it during the fall, but time got away from me and by the time winter came I figured I’d wait until this fall season to read it. It was such a sweet, quick romance book with a cozy autumn feeling. It was the perfect choice for the beginning of September as I’m thinking about the fall season approaching. I will admit, the first 30% had me wondering if this was a little too “young adult like” for me. But then after all the high school parts were over, I enjoyed it much more. I loved all the characters in this one. Rocker is obviously perfect boyfriend material, minus leaving for 11 years but then again Warbee pretty much made that decision for him and I could understand how she wanted him to follow his dreams. Anyways, I really enjoyed this quick read and I look forward to starting the next one in the series and finding out more about Teaganne and Keefer.

Thank you Stephanie Nichole for choosing me as the winner in your giveaway. I’m sorry it took so long for me to read and review. It was definitely worth the wait, I really enjoyed it!

[Makayla Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies made me fall in love with fall all over again. There's something special about curling up on the couch, a mug of hot tea in one hand and a good book in the other. For a few hours, I was transported to a small town in the southern US where football reigns supreme and small-town romances bloom.
Warbee is one of my new favourite heroines. She's fiercely independent, but also fiercely loyal to those she cares about. She knows what she wants and what she deserves and she isn't afraid to sacrifice her own happiness for that of others.
Rocker is everything you want in a book boyfriend: sweet, caring and charming. He loves football and Warbee with a passion that I think we all yearn to feel.
If you're looking for a light romance that will have you itching to fall in love under the autumn sky, look no further.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a good sweet romance in awhile, but I think second chance romances are my favorite of the week!!! Warbee and Rocker's story was so sweet and you couldn't do anything but root for them. Oh the tears I shed reading this, sad and happy ones.

Warbee is the nerd and Rocker is the star football player, an unlikely pair, but oh a love story they have. Many years and many things happen to both of them after high school. Can they find their way back to each other and have that happily ever after? Have to read to find out.

This story is for everyone, the girl who just loves to read, the helpless romantic, and the guy that doesn't want his buddies to know he likes romance. Come to Blue Ridge and meet everyone. I know I can't wait for my next visit.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second chance romance fans tend to fall into 2 categories. Those who need the backstory and those that want a good redemption story; of course, sometimes they want both. If you want the former, this is the story for you. We get young, high school love, in all its glory on paper. It takes up over half the book plus more as flashbacks during present day. I didn't feel like there is much redemption. Somewhat because there wasn't a ton of drama to create the rift, but also because its pretty much an adult repeat of the initial story.

If you like cozy, small town, easy reads, this a a great book for you. I just wanted more meat in the present and less focus on the past. I would consider reading more by this author to see what they can pull off with other tropes and couples.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet story, with great characters and a happy ending, Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies is definitely your book. It's a story about second chances, loving enough to let go and understanding your significant other.

Warbee and Rocker are from the small town blue ridge, they went to highschool together and in Rockers last year they were lab partners. He was always intrigued about her but didn't understand it since they belong to different groups. However the attraction was undeniable and a beautiful relationship blossomed.

Later on life happened and they took different paths, but true love always finds a way and that's what happens with this beautiful couple, until they get their happy ending.

[Kayla Pocernich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a small town romance between Rocker and Warbee. Their love story started when they both were teenagers and she was the nerby girl while he was the star football player. These two started off as friends but it turned into so much more than that. They dated for awhile and eventually went there separate ways. Several years have gone by and they see either again and the chemistry between them is still there. Will these two get a second chance or will things get in the way of them getting there second chance. This was another great book by Stephanie and a must add to your TBR list and I can't wait to see what Stephanie writes next.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding your first love again.....and holding on tight for a sweet HEA

Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies is the first book in The Blue Ridge series. I have read several books by Stephanie Nichole but the story of Rocker Gordon and Warbee Carter is a different genre than usual. But it was no less entertaining or well written. This is a wonderful small town, second chance with your first and true love. The characters are likeable and the story is entertaining in this fast-paced and emotional story. I enjoyed this story a lot.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book that is set in the Fall to get you in the right mood of the season. I can't say either of the main characters really grabbed my attention. I feel like the plot of not being able to have children and keeping it a secret from someone is overdone and just silly honestly. Just talk about it and give that person the chance to say their feelings on it. I get that it's an extremely difficult thing to come to terms with but to knowingly start a relationship with someone and not communicate it with them is unacceptable. It made it difficult for me to like her. I'm actually more interested in her friends story so I look forward to the next book at least.

[Hopemays_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! This book is a clean contemporary romance, and is sooo adorable! I absolutely loved it! Warbee and Rocker are perfect together! I loved that we get to see a peek into their past and what brought them together originally, but then also what brings them back together again. I really connected with Warbee towards the end of the book. I loved the relationships with the side characters and how Warbee's friends are so good to her. I cannot wait to see how the relationship with Teaganne and Keefer plays out.

Favorite quote "Home is a person, not a place, and I found mine once again." -Rocker Gordon

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book of second chances. I loved this small town romance. The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story. I found myself in love with the characters. The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture. I want more of Warbee & Rocker. Do yourself a favor & read this book. Stephanie doesn’t disappoint. I sure hope Teaganne & Keefer are the main characters of book #2 in the Blue Ridge series. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warbee and Rocker fell in love in high school. They were the nerd and football captain total opposite pair that no one saw coming. But when the big time came knocking for Rocker in football fame she let him go so he could experience his life because she wanted the small town life. Years later after they had experienced their ups and downs in life he was back and now they had to face the past to determine if there was a future. Good read with emotional turmoil.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful small town romance of young love and second chances. These two are opposites, the unpopular and the popular. But their timing is off and many years later are granted a second chance but can they make it work? Can they let go of their past pain and give their love another try? Warble and Rocker will pull at your heart strings in this beautiful story of life decisions and uncertainty. The romance and angst is stellar. The writing flows beautifully where you can almost feel and smell the atmosphere of this story. Bravo! Loved this!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read almost every Stephanie Nichole book at this point and was most definitely shocked when turning the pages of this one. A new genre for her, and she does it well but was looking for a little more suspense I guess is the word I’m looking for. The big reveal was a little choppy for me.

I absolutely love the characters and the town. Sweet southern picturesque backdrop, warm and inviting and I can’t wait wait for more to see what this town has in mind to share with me. I have a feeling there’s more than one secret going bump in the night

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a clean second chance romance. Rocker and Warner have spent 11 years apart until a career ending injury sends Rocker home. The book is told in dual narration and we see the past as well as the present. There is a little bit of misunderstanding about their relationship when Warbee said goodbye 11 years ago. Now that they are together again, there are several more obstacles in the way of their HEA.

[Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book gave me the happiness I needed. It was an amazing romance. It was cute and lovely yet the passion was still there. Both characters were lovely as expected. Warbee was a huge surprise for a female girl in a good way. Rocker was that kind of guy that you it’s going to be great and I’m please to say I wasn’t wrong about him. Life happens and sometimes you’re not prepared. A beautiful and special second chance romance that’ll give you all the feels and emotions.”

[Amanda Hash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect small-town romance ❤ I feel like it could have happened in my hometown (I knew plenty of high school sweethearts that would fit into the roles) and that made it even better -- the characters were real and relatable, and I'm an absolute sucker for second chances. This is the kind of read that will make you really, REALLY believe in true love, and one that you'll pick back up every time you want that warm and cozy feeling.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved It!!!

I really wanted to find a book and read a book that had that like real autumn/fall feel to it you know what I mean, but it's kind of hard to find like a book that takes place in Autumn and really like makes you feel in the season you know? But this book did ,&that and plus it was a really cute romance and it was just really good and went by fast cuz I couldn't put it down & I would definitely recommend it!!!

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great small town second chance story. Rocker and Warbee are such wonderful characters and I fell in love with them. They start as high school sweethearts and in a selfless act Warbee breaks up with Rocker in order for him to pursue his dreams. Years later their paths cross again and it’s their chance at a second chance. I loved this book, and definitely recommend it to everyone.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Swoon-worthy Story! Another great read by Stephanie Nichole. I thoroughly enjoyed Autumn Skies and Pumpkin Pies that takes you on an emotional ride with Rocker and Warbee, highschool sweethearts that reconnect after years apart. I love the ease of Stephanie Nichole’s writing style, it was easy to pick up the book and not want to put it down.

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warbee and Rocker have a second chance to rekindle the spark that started all those years ago. This book starts at the beginning and then fast forwards 11 years later. In the present there are still flashbacks so that the reader gets all the feels for these two. A great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

[Bridget Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance that started in high school.Rocker goes on to fulfill his dream of player football.Warbee full fills her dream and takes over her grandmother bakery.The two never move on from each other and Rocker returns after a football injury.Hmm can these two have a second chance after 11 years

[Andrea Fernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not hate this story but at the same time I did not love it. Its ok. If you like a clean, wholesome second chance romance then this is for you. Most of the story was Rocker and Warbee's backstory, which was cute. Although when they reconnect years later, thing just moved a little too smoothly for me. I guess I wanted a little conflict, groveling or something. It was too cutesy for me.

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for all fans of small town romance. Sweet, touching and completely romantic. Rocker and Warbee are both so endearing, they had me rooting for a second chance for them. Impossible to put down, I adored this one.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story.
Loved this second chance love story & didn't want to put it down ending up reading it almost in one go. I loved reading Warbee & Rocket's story & I can't wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Stephanie Nichole and I really enjoyed it! I like the characters and the clips of back story throughout the book. It helped me to really get to know the characters. I hope there will be a second story!

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely adorable and swoon-worthy! It hit me right in the feels and made me all giddy and sappy inside. It was the perfect mix of Autumn love, small-town romance and with a beautiful HEA.

I love every second of this feel good book!