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Pumpkin Pie
Happily ever after is possible. It's getting there that's hard. For no one is this more true than high school senior, Michelle "Elle" Conner. Elle is a simple, hard working girl from a small town in the middle of East Jesus Nowhere. Cast as a secondary character in her own life, Elle lives in the constant shadow of her annoying twin sisters. Her mother's cold shoulder coupled with her father's absence leaves Elle feeling isolated in her own home. Her one escape is waitressing at the local pie shop, Hap-PIE-ly Ever After. Despite her hardships, a surprising accident during senior year turns everything on its ear. Once upon a time she was nobody, but perhaps her fairytale is closer than she thinks.
234 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2020
43 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 16, 2018
Predictable but charming nonetheless. Desperately needs to have been proofread prior to printing.
January 2, 2026
I was very excited to read this book because of how much I enjoy Brawn’s videos on social media. I do think that high-school-aged me would have really enjoyed this book. The romance was nice, and I think the strongest part of it was the friendship amongst all of the girls at the pie shop. However, I did find Elle to be fairly annoying and rude, even with her friends. I get up part of this is her growth in the book, but she wasn’t the most likable character. The book also did drag a bit and could have been cut down to make it flow better. Finally, as others have noted, this book did need to be edited prior to publishing, because the grammar, syntax, and punctuation errors were incredibly distracting because of how many there were.
December 8, 2021
It's okay. Seems tone deaf on a few things and I felt like I was reading a retelling of the Hillary Duff version of Cinderella.
September 21, 2021
I am not usually one for YA fiction however this novel has me grateful that I put aside that bias and picked it up.
A teen character that has to deal with teenage drama including parental divorce, bullying, complex sibling relationships, boy trouble and trying to find who they truly are as they move from childhood into adulthood. All these issues are portrayed in ways that draw you to the main character Elle and, possibly, even see your teen-self reflected back.
Although it loosely follows the Cinderella fairytale, this is no Walt Disney version. I loved the personal growth you see in Elle as she begins to embrace the realization that she is in charge of who she wants to be and letting go of the bitterness she feels towards her parents and siblings and her complex relationships between all of them. The final scene between Elle and her father had me tearing up and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series when it is released!
A teen character that has to deal with teenage drama including parental divorce, bullying, complex sibling relationships, boy trouble and trying to find who they truly are as they move from childhood into adulthood. All these issues are portrayed in ways that draw you to the main character Elle and, possibly, even see your teen-self reflected back.
Although it loosely follows the Cinderella fairytale, this is no Walt Disney version. I loved the personal growth you see in Elle as she begins to embrace the realization that she is in charge of who she wants to be and letting go of the bitterness she feels towards her parents and siblings and her complex relationships between all of them. The final scene between Elle and her father had me tearing up and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series when it is released!
February 22, 2022
A fun new spin on Cinderella. While it stays within the typical tropes of the fairytale it tackles issues such as body image, and trauma of divorce. Well done first time author!
July 10, 2022
I now want pie. All the pie! This is a cute story. It isn't my genre of choice, but I wanted to give it a good go. There were definitely parts where I couldn't put it down, but there were also disappointing parts. I also feel like the editors really let the author down with this manuscript- there are a lot of grammatical and syntax errors.
I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy highschool dramas, though!
Now...time to go make pie...
I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy highschool dramas, though!
Now...time to go make pie...
January 6, 2022
There were so many spelling and grammatical errors on almost every single page that it took me completely out of the story. This was almost unreadable for that fact. The story itself was cute, but I couldn't enjoy it trying to read through the errors.
June 24, 2022
This book was full of spelling errors and grammar errors. It’s like nobody edited it at all. The plot also seemed to be stole from Hilary Duff’s Cinderella. The end of the book redeemed it a little, but definitely wouldn’t recommend.
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February 11, 2022DNF
It wasn’t for me.
It wasn’t for me.
June 26, 2022
Oh, holy cow. I really want to proofread and correct this manuscript and send it to the author so they can republish it. SO. MANY. MISTAKES. Story was okay. Too much mean in one book.
December 20, 2024
Who wants more pie?!
It's a sweet and heartwarming story, a wonderful reimagining. Hats off to a great debut. Have already bought the second book and can't wait to start it. 💕
It's a sweet and heartwarming story, a wonderful reimagining. Hats off to a great debut. Have already bought the second book and can't wait to start it. 💕
March 30, 2023
Oh, man. I have been trying to get to this book for a while, to fit it into different reading challenge categories, but it was always checked out. I'm failing at finishing a March challenge to "Read a book made popular by BookTok." I lurk on TikTok but I never really got into BookTok-- all previous Book[social media] leans heavily on aesthetics, and it hasn't been for me. I've scoured BookTok title lists and have very little interest in most of the titles. But I had stumbled on this author on TikTok quite a while ago, and I purchased this eBook back when I was helping out with YA eBooks ordering, so I thought I could make it fit the category.
I read exactly one chapter, and I can't got on. I was willing to make a fair number of concessions for a YA fairytale retelling, but I wasn't prepared for what is, frankly, a painful reading experience that should have been caught almost entirely in editing. The narration is a little stilted, not too bad, but the writing is full of errors. There are a lot of fragments, but they don't match up to speech patterns, so they don't make a lot of sense. There's about a 50/50 chance that any non-period punctuation mark is used incorrectly, and quite a few commas are missing. I don't want to use grammar and punctuation as gatekeeping-- if you're consistent in how you use them, I can get behind that-- but I rely really heavily on standard conventions for wayfinding because of dyslexia, and scattershot punctuation isn't accessible. There are many things you can measure with your heart, but semicolons isn't one of them.
Also within the first chapter, there were two occasions in which the narration said one thing and the dialogue in the very next line blatantly and completely contradicted it. I don't have the patience for this. And I'm sorry, because I really like the author as a person! I hope she never reads this-- but that her editing team does.
I read exactly one chapter, and I can't got on. I was willing to make a fair number of concessions for a YA fairytale retelling, but I wasn't prepared for what is, frankly, a painful reading experience that should have been caught almost entirely in editing. The narration is a little stilted, not too bad, but the writing is full of errors. There are a lot of fragments, but they don't match up to speech patterns, so they don't make a lot of sense. There's about a 50/50 chance that any non-period punctuation mark is used incorrectly, and quite a few commas are missing. I don't want to use grammar and punctuation as gatekeeping-- if you're consistent in how you use them, I can get behind that-- but I rely really heavily on standard conventions for wayfinding because of dyslexia, and scattershot punctuation isn't accessible. There are many things you can measure with your heart, but semicolons isn't one of them.
Also within the first chapter, there were two occasions in which the narration said one thing and the dialogue in the very next line blatantly and completely contradicted it. I don't have the patience for this. And I'm sorry, because I really like the author as a person! I hope she never reads this-- but that her editing team does.
October 7, 2024
Happily ever after is possible. It's getting there that's hard. For no one is this more true than high school senior, Michelle "Elle" Conner. Elle is a simple, hard working girl from a small town in the middle of East Jesus Nowhere. Cast as a secondary character in her own life, Elle lives in the constant shadow of her annoying twin sisters. Her mother's cold shoulder coupled with her father's absence leaves Elle feeling isolated in her own home. Her one escape is waitressing at the local pie shop, Hap-PIE-ly Ever After. Despite her hardships, a surprising accident during senior year turns everything on its ear. Once upon a time she was nobody, but perhaps her fairytale is closer than she thinks.
Heather's Notes
For a YA book this one wasn't horrible. I had a hard time with Elle being the only "non model" like girl. I also thought she took the "it's not him it's me- we will never work" theme way to far. I think Finn more than proved himself and I liked in the end, it was Ella who made the "big" gesture. I also wish some questions had been answered. Like who did Finn actually see first, who was the boy that said it was Ella, why does Lucy hate Ella? None of these were address and I wish they had been.
Heather's Notes
For a YA book this one wasn't horrible. I had a hard time with Elle being the only "non model" like girl. I also thought she took the "it's not him it's me- we will never work" theme way to far. I think Finn more than proved himself and I liked in the end, it was Ella who made the "big" gesture. I also wish some questions had been answered. Like who did Finn actually see first, who was the boy that said it was Ella, why does Lucy hate Ella? None of these were address and I wish they had been.
September 29, 2023
Cinderella adjacent but done right
I enjoyed this story very much. I knew I was reading a Cinderella story remixed for the early 21st century. But it was just different, just quirky enough to be perfect. Loved the teen characters coming into themselves and figuring out who they really were. I loved that they were vulnerable with each other. The changing dynamic with Elle’s parents and twin sisters was great. Love can look like something far from a perfect family and still be a family. So glad all three sisters matured and looked inside themselves to form a new future. When they are older they will be thankful to have each other.
My only tiny criticism is that on her next book Katelyn Brawn needs to please use a better proof reader. This though was on the finishing of the novel and not on the author. The author deserves a bright future in writing.
I enjoyed this story very much. I knew I was reading a Cinderella story remixed for the early 21st century. But it was just different, just quirky enough to be perfect. Loved the teen characters coming into themselves and figuring out who they really were. I loved that they were vulnerable with each other. The changing dynamic with Elle’s parents and twin sisters was great. Love can look like something far from a perfect family and still be a family. So glad all three sisters matured and looked inside themselves to form a new future. When they are older they will be thankful to have each other.
My only tiny criticism is that on her next book Katelyn Brawn needs to please use a better proof reader. This though was on the finishing of the novel and not on the author. The author deserves a bright future in writing.
March 17, 2022
This is a cute retelling of Cinderella. Elle, our Cinderella character, is a senior in high school, is not a romantic, feels as if she is living in the shadows of her sisters and mother. She works in a pie shop with her friends. Her life seems to start falling apart around her and she receives a mysterious note from an unknown person. She starts writing back and forth and the relationship goes from there.
Elle is her own worst enemy, like most of us are. I could really relate to Elle and how she is always getting in her own way. I could relate to everyone around her seeing what she desperately needs to see for herself. I've been there and it made me smile and shake my head at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Elle is her own worst enemy, like most of us are. I could really relate to Elle and how she is always getting in her own way. I could relate to everyone around her seeing what she desperately needs to see for herself. I've been there and it made me smile and shake my head at the same time.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
August 7, 2022
I wanted to love this book so badly that I considered not even writing a review when I realized I really didn’t love it. I really enjoyed some of the characters and the bond between the pie shop girls. I also generally liked Finn overall.
However, I really struggled to connect with the story and suspend my disbelief about things like the mom and sisters just totally hating Elle outright and making her do all the chores with no real motivation explained and also how quickly Elle went from mad at her dad to totally fine with that he hooked up with his assistant RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL.
That being said, I know this was the first book published and I liked things about it so I still have hope for Pecan Pie!
However, I really struggled to connect with the story and suspend my disbelief about things like the mom and sisters just totally hating Elle outright and making her do all the chores with no real motivation explained and also how quickly Elle went from mad at her dad to totally fine with that he hooked up with his assistant RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL.
That being said, I know this was the first book published and I liked things about it so I still have hope for Pecan Pie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
Cinderella, but make it high school.
This heavily fairytale inspired story is full of energy and wit, but could have used an editor as there are alot of minor mistakes that make it harder to stay immersed in the story. The story itself is sweet and entertaining, and it's hard not to root for the complicated characters. Overall, it's a sweet story with a fairytale vibe. I've already got the authors second book, so i guess I'll see what's next. Hopefully it leaves out the surprising and uncomfortable fat shaming and the weird justification of a relationship built on an unhealthy power imbalance.
This heavily fairytale inspired story is full of energy and wit, but could have used an editor as there are alot of minor mistakes that make it harder to stay immersed in the story. The story itself is sweet and entertaining, and it's hard not to root for the complicated characters. Overall, it's a sweet story with a fairytale vibe. I've already got the authors second book, so i guess I'll see what's next. Hopefully it leaves out the surprising and uncomfortable fat shaming and the weird justification of a relationship built on an unhealthy power imbalance.
February 18, 2022
Okay first of all I want to say wonderful platform. The author is very reliable and present on tiktoc and I love a good Cinderella story. I so wanted to just LOVE this book…. 😬 but Definitely had some tones I was a little eaked out by. The fathers relationship really bothered me. Maybe it’s just me but it seemed like there were some sexist tones and I was surprised by this considering the authors platform. But still a great book, still going to read the heck out of the next book she puts out! And still really grateful this art was shared.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 14, 2023Cinderella
It wasn't what I was expecting
Nope, I didn't read the blurb, well, at least not recently.
I wasn't expecting a teen/ya story.
Its hard for me to understand how Cinderella could make nice with the step family. And that is why I feel weird about this story.
The writing was fine, A few typos, nothing crazy.
There are a lot of people to meet in the book. Hopefully it is because it is book 1 and we'll just carry on with their stories in future books.Pretty sure they are all interconnected standalones.
I probably won't continue this series. Just not a subject for me.
It wasn't what I was expecting
Nope, I didn't read the blurb, well, at least not recently.
I wasn't expecting a teen/ya story.
Its hard for me to understand how Cinderella could make nice with the step family. And that is why I feel weird about this story.
The writing was fine, A few typos, nothing crazy.
There are a lot of people to meet in the book. Hopefully it is because it is book 1 and we'll just carry on with their stories in future books.Pretty sure they are all interconnected standalones.
I probably won't continue this series. Just not a subject for me.
February 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this story! An alternate version of Cinderella, Pumpkin Pie is a story about teenagers being teenagers, navigating through high school, and big life changes. It's a cute, quick read and I look forward to reading Pecan Pie, the second one the series.
If I had any complaints, it would just be that the book could have used a little more editing as I came across a few typos, missed punctuation, and repeated phrases in the last quarter of the book.
If I had any complaints, it would just be that the book could have used a little more editing as I came across a few typos, missed punctuation, and repeated phrases in the last quarter of the book.
January 16, 2023
So, I found Ms. Brawn on TikTok before I knew she was an author. After hearing the descriptions of her books, I knew I had to start her series. Pumpkin Pie is a super cute rom com reimagining of Cinderella. Like the original, the average girl gets the prince, well, jock in this case. It was well written and funny and made me cry in the same book. It was a quick read. I finished in one day. I enjoyed every minute of it. Well done! I definitely recommend it!
March 31, 2024
Grab your Kleenex and put on some Taylor Swift because this is a love story, baby just say yes. A modern rendition of Cinderella, complete with all the teenage angst, gossip, and drama that we both love and hate. But also a truly heart wrenching tale of coming to terms with a truly broken family as well. I giggled at the cuteness and cried with the truths hidden in this fairy tale ending. Adorable and I can't wait to start Pecan Pie!
January 25, 2022
A wonderful retelling
A booktok must read, all the spunk of Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries crossed with the comfort of Joann Fluke’s happy small town setting. Katelyn will have you giggling at Elle’s antics and routing for her to make her dreams to come true.
I can’t wait for Pecan Pie and to live Hap-pie-ly Ever After!
A booktok must read, all the spunk of Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries crossed with the comfort of Joann Fluke’s happy small town setting. Katelyn will have you giggling at Elle’s antics and routing for her to make her dreams to come true.
I can’t wait for Pecan Pie and to live Hap-pie-ly Ever After!
February 18, 2022
Cute, modern retelling of Cinderella. I loved the pie shop and recognizing her friends as possible princesses of the future! I also liked the love interest. I did not like the high school conflict at all, and felt that the parental subplot did not need to be there.
Also, another review for typos and some clumsy writing would have helped.
Also, another review for typos and some clumsy writing would have helped.
April 15, 2022
This was a Cinderella story if the classic story allowed character development and nobody died. There were 4 typos that did pull me out of my “zone” when reading it and I really wish we had more substance in the letters/messages between 3788 and mystery man to build that relationship- it felt kind of rushed. Otherwise, I absolutely adored this book and I adore katelyn, the entire time I read it I heard her voice telling me the story which made it feel that much more special. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2022
I'm a sucker for a Cinderella story. This book was amazing. It was cheesy and cringy on only the way a sweet YA story can be. I absolutely loved the way the author retold the tale in the classic way but also gave Elle the moments of clarity of how she got to where she was in the story. Absolutely a must read.
August 3, 2022
I love a fairytale retelling and this version of cinderella was lovely.
A different take on the family dynamics as they are all related and not the evil stepmother and stepsister's.
I enjoyed the typical teen connections for a friend group as well, each having a role in Elle's decision making without her really knowing it.
If you are a cinderella fan this book is a must read.
A different take on the family dynamics as they are all related and not the evil stepmother and stepsister's.
I enjoyed the typical teen connections for a friend group as well, each having a role in Elle's decision making without her really knowing it.
If you are a cinderella fan this book is a must read.
January 2, 2022
Well, because of this book, I was still awake at 4:15am… as I had to finish it. Enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. My only dig….. Finn was a little too perfect… other than that, I loved it. Will most likely read again. Can’t wait for Pecan Pie.
January 31, 2022
I loved the story. It's sweet, funny, and charming. There are a lot of editing mistakes. There were also a few spots where I feel like humor was intended, but it came across as fat shaming and homophobic. I would love to see this after another pass from a professional editor.
August 6, 2022
Excellent book. Wonderful twist on retelling fairy tales. I knew which character was which fairy tale character without being beaten over the head with it. It has humor and heart. Will be get the next in the series ASAP. Would highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews