Pumpkin Promises

Starlight Inn #0.5

by Jessica Anne Renwick

Sophie Walsh finally landed the job of her dreams—the head chef at the beautiful Starlight Inn. She’s about to cater her first wedding there, and she’s determined to impress her new boss. But when the demanding bride switches the menu only two days before the event, and an even more demanding man from her past pops back into her life with a last-minute request, her stress levels shoot through the roof. What’s fifty sugar pumpkins and a three-tiered cake? Surely, she can manage.

Besides, she has Marshal to rely on. A good friend of hers in high school, he’s the new produce supplier for the inn. The minute he makes his first delivery to Sophie’s kitchen, old feelings begin to emerge. He shuffles some clients around and assures her that he has the pumpkins she needs. After all, he’d do anything to help her.

When disaster strikes his family and Sophie’s over-packed schedule crumbles, confusion sets in and emotions fly. Can Marshal keep his promise and show Sophie what she’s meant to him all along?

Genres: Small Town Romance

ebook

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Jessica Anne Renwick is an award-winning author who writes cozy stories with themes around friendship, family, and of course—romance!

She loves reading, gardening, her backyard chickens, and hiking. She resides in Alberta, Canada with her loving partner and dogs.

Her middle-grade series, Starfell, is written under Jessica Renwick.

You can join her mailing list to receive a free copy of Pumpkin Promises, a Starlight Inn novella, at:
https://www.jessicarenwickauthor.com/...

She is also active on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/jessicarenw...

Reviews

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good modern story! It definitely kept you wanting to know what happens next.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to start this off by saying I rarely read romance novels; I used to say “never”, and then a Sophie Kinsella novel would fall off my shelf to call me out as the liar I am. With that in mind, I read this because I enjoyed Renwick’s middle grade (Starfell) series so much.

“Pumpkin promises” doesn’t waste time introducing you to the characters whose lives you’ll be joining in on as they embark in a new venture at work, trying to find balance between expectations and reality ... both in what’s in front of them, and in their relationships with others. It was a cozy, satisfying read, and a delightful introduction to the world and characters around the starlight inn.

Seeing the direction she’s going to go with the series, from reading her synopsis of “Harvest wishes”, I must admit I have found myself very looking forward to reading it! All in all, she has successfully created another world I am going to enjoy spending some time in.

[Hannah Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, satisfying little read, perfect for when you’re snowed in and want something cozy, or if you’ve got a hankering for a Hallmark movie and can’t get your husband to watch one with you, lol.

I don’t often read romance, so this was a little out of the ordinary for me. It definitely takes some convincing for me to get on board with romance tropes like the neglectful-big-town-lawyer-boyfriend vs the dreamy-best-friend’s-brother... but overall I found Pumpkin Promises enjoyable, if a little sappy. (But hey, a little sap once in a while never hurt anyone.)

If you like sweet, clean, small-town romance with cozy vibes and happy endings, I definitely recommend this one! You can get it free by subscribing to the author’s newsletter. And keep an eye out for her full-length novel coming out soon!

[L.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is the first novella from Jessica Anne Renwick. I read all her MG stories so I knew she was a great, concise, and smooth writer. This is just that plus it's cozy and heart-warming while also embracing serious issues, like domestic abuse. The half star from 5 is only is because I wanted to shake the main character and say 'don’t do it!', but I also understand why she did what she did because I would have made the same hopefully optimistic mistakes. I look forward to her first full book in the Starlight Inn series as I see much promise in the excellent writing of this author in this new genre. Highly recommend for small-town romance fans (especially as it's free if you sign up for her newsletter).

[Anita Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of romance novels, and I can gladly say that this is my kind of romance story.
Jessica has created a beautiful world that will make you keep coming back for more. The characters are well developed. I really liked Sophie as her problems and struggles are relatable.
I enjoy small-town romance stories, so I immediately fell in love with this one.
To summarize, this book is a clean, sweet, lovable, and cozy romance novella.
Can't wait to dive into the Starlight Inn series.

[Natalie Gebauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I read it basically in one sitting ❤️ I felt it took me a little to get into the characters and begin rooting for them but in the end it came together! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a feel good read, that also includes real life issues that people face.

[Talena Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story. The characters were interesting and believable, and had enough real problems for the story to not be TOO sweet. I loved the small-town vibe and the second-chance romance themes. Highly recommended!

[Cristy L. Bowlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Romance isn't my go-to genre, so I can be picky about the romance books I do choose to read. This was the perfect autumn read with cozy vibes. I can't wait to read more books by this author!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica has created a compelling read. She has brilliantly made a story that weaves in real-life struggles, relationships, a diverse cast, and unexpected elements of humour.
It's a quick, fun read.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cozy and beautiful story , I really liked it 🥰 I first read Harvest wishes and now this one, for sure I'm going to miss this characters & Cedar Lake ❤

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet prequel.

[Jennie Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute love story!!! Hallmark meets Gilmore Girls. I’m already so attached to the characters and I can’t wait to read Harvest Wishes now.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, and tender love story, and just what I needed for Valentine's Day! I can not wait for the next book. I'm glad it's Madison and Dylan's story. I can already tell I'm going to love Dylan. The setting is idyllic, and I wish I could book a cabin at the Inn.

[Kelly (VanIslandCircus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard that Jessica Renwick was releasing a novella for an upcoming adult series, I jumped at a chance to grab a copy. I absolutely adored her delightful, endearing and spooky MG read, The Haunting of Lavender Raine: Lavender Raine #1 and I was not disappointed with Pumpkin Promises.

Set in Cedar Lake in the picturesque Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Pumpkin Promises, centres around the relatable, romantically optimistic and somewhat naïve, Chef at the Starlight Inn, Sophie.

Although only a novella, Renwick is able to develop each character by providing them with rich backgrounds. I look forward to reading more about from the residents from the quiet little town of Cedar Lake!

I won’t lie, I do hope both Sophie and Marshal’s story continues in future books.

[Virg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet novella that easily could have been expanded into a full novel. We get just a hint of Sophie & Marshal realizing their interest in each other over the course of a weekend but I wanted more! :D A nice intro to the series.