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Alder #3
Chasing Cypress
All Maggie Hyde wants is to graduate from the School of Agriculture at Alder University and settle into her legacy by taking over Hyde Hill Farm, the apple orchard that’s been in her family for four generations. Well, okay, it’s not all she wants. Finding someone who loves her small hometown of East Sparrow, Georgia, is high on her list of priorities, too. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love and settle down?
Olivia Cypress, that’s who. A free-spirited traveler at heart, Olivia is enjoying life way too much to limit her options, especially by settling down in nowheresville East Sparrow. But when Olivia walks into Maggie’s horticulture class, she’s charmed by Maggie’s gorgeous smile. It’s fine, though. They can’t seem to agree on anything, especially farming.
Maggie is sure Olivia will leave, just like her mother did. Olivia is sure Maggie doesn’t need a 30-year life plan. Opposites don’t really attract, right?
Olivia Cypress, that’s who. A free-spirited traveler at heart, Olivia is enjoying life way too much to limit her options, especially by settling down in nowheresville East Sparrow. But when Olivia walks into Maggie’s horticulture class, she’s charmed by Maggie’s gorgeous smile. It’s fine, though. They can’t seem to agree on anything, especially farming.
Maggie is sure Olivia will leave, just like her mother did. Olivia is sure Maggie doesn’t need a 30-year life plan. Opposites don’t really attract, right?
- GenresLesbian FictionCollege
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
7 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 30, 2023
Hyde Hill Orchard has been in Maggie’s family for generations and she is looking forward to taking over the reins when her father retires. This has been her main focus in life until she meets Olivia Cypress in one of her agricultural courses. Olivia is everything Maggie is not, carefree and living in the moment while Maggie has a ten year plan she is extremely focused on.
This is a thoughtful YA novel filled with all the second guessing, family drama and new love angst one can handle. Reichardt has a knack for writing realistic stories. Her characters come to life on the pages as we are skillfully brought into their lives. Chasing Cypress is an entertaining read in the Alder University series.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a thoughtful YA novel filled with all the second guessing, family drama and new love angst one can handle. Reichardt has a knack for writing realistic stories. Her characters come to life on the pages as we are skillfully brought into their lives. Chasing Cypress is an entertaining read in the Alder University series.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2023
Chasing cypress is the 3rd book of the Alder series- you don't need to read the first 2 books, but i’d have a look, they are really worth a read.
The book is down to earth, sensible and is realistic. Easy to follow, a little bit of angst, full of family life, drama, secrets and about growing up and seeing what's directly in front of you. The characters are loveable, engaging and ‘real’.
I’ve given chasing cypress a 4 out of 5.
The book is down to earth, sensible and is realistic. Easy to follow, a little bit of angst, full of family life, drama, secrets and about growing up and seeing what's directly in front of you. The characters are loveable, engaging and ‘real’.
I’ve given chasing cypress a 4 out of 5.
September 12, 2023
3 books in and I am still really enjoying the series! I just really like the characters, I think. And the romances. Olivia Cypress may even be my favourite character of the series to date. I can't to get my hands on the next book! This is my emotional response to these (and this) novel.
The more critical part of my brain definitely cringes when I was reading this (and when I read the first book). The attempts to keep these in the universe as the previous books feels really forced (as it did in book 2). Also, this is set at a small Catholic university in the mountains in Georgia and despite our MC and narrator Maggie's insistence that rural Georgia isn't an easy place to find queer love, there seem to be a disproportionate number of queer kids who are drawn to Alder University and able to find their One True Loves there.
This is probably in the 3.5 range, but I'm rounding up for Olivia.
The more critical part of my brain definitely cringes when I was reading this (and when I read the first book). The attempts to keep these in the universe as the previous books feels really forced (as it did in book 2). Also, this is set at a small Catholic university in the mountains in Georgia and despite our MC and narrator Maggie's insistence that rural Georgia isn't an easy place to find queer love, there seem to be a disproportionate number of queer kids who are drawn to Alder University and able to find their One True Loves there.
This is probably in the 3.5 range, but I'm rounding up for Olivia.
February 9, 2023
‘Chasing Cypress’ is the third book in Reichardt’s Alder college series, I found the first two to be really well written with a fresh take on sapphic romance for a more YA audience; all can be read as standalone books.
This one really felt like Reichardt is hitting her stride in terms of getting under the skin of her characters. Personally I love really strong characters and I don’t think there are many who are defined as Maggie Hyde. Maggie is attending Alder as she prepares to take over her family’s apple orchard and has her life mapped out and doesn’t plan to change it for anything or anyone and then she meets Olivia Cypress. Olivia is frustrating and contradictory in so many ways to Maggie, a free spirit that she cannot help but be drawn to.
I loved the dynamic between them because the kind of sparring that occurred between them is what built up the chemistry in a way that kept me turning the pages. Maggie and Olivia are so different and from juxtaposing backgrounds with opposing views on countless topics but the fact that they grow because of one another really made my heart swell by the end of the novel. For me flawed women are far more interesting in sapphic fiction; I want them to make mistakes and change from them because I want to relate to them and how life is never linear even when you want it to be.
I will say there is a lot of detail in here about the farming industry in America and although there are some strong opinions in there I enjoyed the work that went into constructing a character and a plotline that is literally rooted in this community. The backstory felt full and comprehensive and for me that was needed to bring to life a MC as strong willed as Maggie Hyde. I adored Olivia’s wanderlust and optimism for what can be achieved, something that helped Maggie evolve by the end of their story.
I cannot wait for another instalment of the Alder series but also where Reichardt will go next because she is showing so much versatility for character building that will really take her YA and adult sapphic fiction to the next level.
This one really felt like Reichardt is hitting her stride in terms of getting under the skin of her characters. Personally I love really strong characters and I don’t think there are many who are defined as Maggie Hyde. Maggie is attending Alder as she prepares to take over her family’s apple orchard and has her life mapped out and doesn’t plan to change it for anything or anyone and then she meets Olivia Cypress. Olivia is frustrating and contradictory in so many ways to Maggie, a free spirit that she cannot help but be drawn to.
I loved the dynamic between them because the kind of sparring that occurred between them is what built up the chemistry in a way that kept me turning the pages. Maggie and Olivia are so different and from juxtaposing backgrounds with opposing views on countless topics but the fact that they grow because of one another really made my heart swell by the end of the novel. For me flawed women are far more interesting in sapphic fiction; I want them to make mistakes and change from them because I want to relate to them and how life is never linear even when you want it to be.
I will say there is a lot of detail in here about the farming industry in America and although there are some strong opinions in there I enjoyed the work that went into constructing a character and a plotline that is literally rooted in this community. The backstory felt full and comprehensive and for me that was needed to bring to life a MC as strong willed as Maggie Hyde. I adored Olivia’s wanderlust and optimism for what can be achieved, something that helped Maggie evolve by the end of their story.
I cannot wait for another instalment of the Alder series but also where Reichardt will go next because she is showing so much versatility for character building that will really take her YA and adult sapphic fiction to the next level.
February 22, 2023
Maggie has a 10 year plan,. She wants to take over the family's Orchard, the Hyde Hill Farm, then she meets Olivia. She doesn't like Olivia's farming ideas, she grates against her ideas. But in reality Olivia got under Maggie's skin. This is a slow burn, about college aged women. Though it's been years, I fondly remember my time in college. I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars!
August 29, 2023
omg?? this one was my favorite of the series so far!!
January 25, 2023
3.5 Stars. Reichardt continues her series set at Alder University, a fictional Catholic college in the hills of Georgia. Maggie Hyde is a local from the small town of East Sparrow. She is also a legacy as her ancestors helped start the School of Agriculture at Alder. Her dream is to take over her family apple orchards currently run by her dad. She is drawn to free-spirited Olivia Cypress when they meet on the first day of class. Olivia is a finance major and genius with numbers. She is vegan, earthy and wants to do everything she can to make the world better.
As in the other two books in the series there is a lot of layers to the characters. Maggie wants her family orchards and someone content to stay in a small town. And deep down she fears people leaving like her mother did. But she is also is trapped by her dream and wants other things too. The story is told from Maggie’s POV but I liked Olivia more. She forgets to charge her phone and looses her keys often but she is thoughtful, articulate and fiercely loyal.
There is a lot of discussion about food sourcing and realities of farming. I liked the junior year (each book covers a different school year) but I didn’t’ enjoy the story as much as the first two books. The stories are usually more character growth than romance and I’m not sure Maggie changes much. I didn’t see much closure to the story either. The farm has hurdles to get over and I wanted dad to acknowledge Maggie’s role better in the future of the land. Olivia’s dreams seem bigger than a town like East Sparrow can fulfill. Plot lines about the roommate and brother were left open. So the ending feels more happy for now than HEA. I did like interactions with Bailey and Noelle from the first book. Each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
As in the other two books in the series there is a lot of layers to the characters. Maggie wants her family orchards and someone content to stay in a small town. And deep down she fears people leaving like her mother did. But she is also is trapped by her dream and wants other things too. The story is told from Maggie’s POV but I liked Olivia more. She forgets to charge her phone and looses her keys often but she is thoughtful, articulate and fiercely loyal.
There is a lot of discussion about food sourcing and realities of farming. I liked the junior year (each book covers a different school year) but I didn’t’ enjoy the story as much as the first two books. The stories are usually more character growth than romance and I’m not sure Maggie changes much. I didn’t see much closure to the story either. The farm has hurdles to get over and I wanted dad to acknowledge Maggie’s role better in the future of the land. Olivia’s dreams seem bigger than a town like East Sparrow can fulfill. Plot lines about the roommate and brother were left open. So the ending feels more happy for now than HEA. I did like interactions with Bailey and Noelle from the first book. Each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
April 1, 2023
Ana Hartnett Reichardt's Alder University series just keeps getting better and better. I was thoroughly enthralled by Maggie's journey to love and Self-Discovery. She read as a living, flawed character who truly opens up.
Reichardt knows the aches and pains of young adulthood. I can't wait for senior year.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
Reichardt knows the aches and pains of young adulthood. I can't wait for senior year.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
This was an okay book. The romance was fine but it felt overshadowed by the political rants that the author would go on. I agreed with them but this romance book was not the place for them. It didn't fit it in the story I didn't like it.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
February 9, 2023
Good book. I liked the relationship between Maggie and Olivia, but I didn't like all the political rants in this book could have done with out it in my opinion. As for the romance between the main characters it was cute and sweet. You could tell that this was more on the young adult side, because the characters are in college or going to college, and trying to figure out what they want to do in life when they graduate. Even though this is more about Maggie trying to figure out whether or not she wants to run the family farming business or travel the world first. I would definitely recommend this to the young adult crowd, and I look forward to what's next from this author.
March 7, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🍎💻🥃🌈
Chasing Cypress is the third book in the Alder series by Ana Harnett Reichardt. Her books are an instant win for me because she rights with so much passion and has characters that make you want to protect them at all costs.
Chasing Cypress was no different. Set in Junior year, our main character is Maggie, who is in her third year of taking Agricultural classes at Alder University so she can take over her family's Apple Tree farm. She wants to branch out more this year and find love in her junior year. Then she meets Olivia Cypress, a girl who literally walks into her class late, and is everything Maggie isn't. Clumsy, losses her keys lots, flighty and vegan. The two may be different, but they connect right away and the chase is on.
Maggie is very insecure about people leaving her. It's the constant theme throughout the book, and she doesn't have much trust in Olivia when it comes to her not showing up to things. I'm glad that this book is about learning lessons and understanding it's okay to want your own things, that isn't always what you think it will be when you grow up a certain way.
I loved how this book incorporated characters from books one and two, and how everyone is so supportive and loving. I also loved Wyatt. He's an awesome dad with his two gay children. He is so proud. And Uncle Ward of course.
🍎💻🥃🌈
Chasing Cypress is the third book in the Alder series by Ana Harnett Reichardt. Her books are an instant win for me because she rights with so much passion and has characters that make you want to protect them at all costs.
Chasing Cypress was no different. Set in Junior year, our main character is Maggie, who is in her third year of taking Agricultural classes at Alder University so she can take over her family's Apple Tree farm. She wants to branch out more this year and find love in her junior year. Then she meets Olivia Cypress, a girl who literally walks into her class late, and is everything Maggie isn't. Clumsy, losses her keys lots, flighty and vegan. The two may be different, but they connect right away and the chase is on.
Maggie is very insecure about people leaving her. It's the constant theme throughout the book, and she doesn't have much trust in Olivia when it comes to her not showing up to things. I'm glad that this book is about learning lessons and understanding it's okay to want your own things, that isn't always what you think it will be when you grow up a certain way.
I loved how this book incorporated characters from books one and two, and how everyone is so supportive and loving. I also loved Wyatt. He's an awesome dad with his two gay children. He is so proud. And Uncle Ward of course.
July 13, 2023
I missed the first two books in Ana Hartnett Reichardt's The Alder Series, but had no trouble reading Chasing Cypress as a standalone. I found Reichardt's writing to be most compelling, the characters are genuine and real, and the whole book is beautifully executed.
I'll definitely be going back to look for the first two books in this series, and I'm anxiously awaiting anything new from Ana Hartnett Reichardt. Lovely!
a copy of Chasing Cypress was provided by Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I'll definitely be going back to look for the first two books in this series, and I'm anxiously awaiting anything new from Ana Hartnett Reichardt. Lovely!
a copy of Chasing Cypress was provided by Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
August 4, 2023
This is the third installment in the Alder series but can be read as a standalone.
The characters were full fletched, flawed but ready to grow. And grow they did. I enjoyed all the interactions, the conversations, the side characters and the scenery.
Maggie thinks her future is set in stone, or in apples as she is hopeful to one day take over her father's orchard that's been in the family for ages. She knows her brother isn't interested and that she would do a good job and make the business thrive. But then she meets Olivia. She is everything Maggie is not, or more importantly doesn't wanna be. She's flighty, a dreamer, forgetful, distracted but most of all intoxicating.
Great journey for Maggie. I enjoyed every second of it.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
The characters were full fletched, flawed but ready to grow. And grow they did. I enjoyed all the interactions, the conversations, the side characters and the scenery.
Maggie thinks her future is set in stone, or in apples as she is hopeful to one day take over her father's orchard that's been in the family for ages. She knows her brother isn't interested and that she would do a good job and make the business thrive. But then she meets Olivia. She is everything Maggie is not, or more importantly doesn't wanna be. She's flighty, a dreamer, forgetful, distracted but most of all intoxicating.
Great journey for Maggie. I enjoyed every second of it.
An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
October 27, 2025
4,25/5
MY FAVORITE COUPLE FROM THIS SERIES
They were the most real couple and most heartwarming one ,I can't believe how unique this couple felt .
This was so different compared to all the couples in the series beacause there was no forbidden feelings ,nothing but their differences keeping them from eachother and the author really did make a good job at prioritizing when it comes to relationships. Beacuse I wanted them together but I also could see why they couldn't work out yet ,and I trusted the author for the character development that I was sure was about to come
Favorite couples:
1) OLIVIA🥹 and Maggie
2) Bailey and Noelle
3) Andy and Maya
MY FAVORITE COUPLE FROM THIS SERIES
They were the most real couple and most heartwarming one ,I can't believe how unique this couple felt .
This was so different compared to all the couples in the series beacause there was no forbidden feelings ,nothing but their differences keeping them from eachother and the author really did make a good job at prioritizing when it comes to relationships. Beacuse I wanted them together but I also could see why they couldn't work out yet ,and I trusted the author for the character development that I was sure was about to come
Favorite couples:
1) OLIVIA🥹 and Maggie
2) Bailey and Noelle
3) Andy and Maya
April 12, 2023
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for this opportunity.
I overall liked the book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maggie and Olivia, however struggled at some points with the other content of the book. Although I love YA, there were points where it was difficult to be able to your characters due to the political views being brought into the conversation so frequently. I will say I love seeing LQBTQIA+ representation in small town romances.
I overall liked the book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Maggie and Olivia, however struggled at some points with the other content of the book. Although I love YA, there were points where it was difficult to be able to your characters due to the political views being brought into the conversation so frequently. I will say I love seeing LQBTQIA+ representation in small town romances.
February 21, 2023
Total Rating: 2.5 Stars
The book wasn’t as bad, I think the author has a bit too much political reviews in this and I was not a big fan of it
The book wasn’t as bad, I think the author has a bit too much political reviews in this and I was not a big fan of it
September 10, 2025
Olivia made me extremely mad.
May 18, 2023
This is the 3rd book in The Alder Series and Ana Hartnett Reichardt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I wasn't sure I would relate to this series since it is geared toward the young adult audience and it's been a long time since I was considered a young adult. Ha ha. I found that I not only love all 3 books in this series, but I also thoroughly enjoy Ana's storytelling and loveable characters . This book does not disappoint. You will love Maggie and Olivia as they navigate their junior year in college, falling in love, and all of the challenges of being complete opposites! I can't wait for the 4th book in this series coming in December 2023!
March 31, 2023
It's junior year at Alder College in the third book of Ana Hartnett Reichardt's Alder series. Maggie and Olivia are opposites, Maggie, is focused on taking over her family orchard and finding someone to love. Olivia is carefree and sees no reason to settle down. Naturally, they clash but behind the bickering, is simmering chemistry.
I adore the way Reichardt writes. She has a wonderful ability to write charming, realistic characters. And for a new author, her writing has the polish of someone who has been writing for decades. This is a wonderful series and I can't wait for senior year.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
I adore the way Reichardt writes. She has a wonderful ability to write charming, realistic characters. And for a new author, her writing has the polish of someone who has been writing for decades. This is a wonderful series and I can't wait for senior year.
An ARC was received from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
Maggie and Olivia's relationship gets off to a rough start. Throughout most of the story arc the major impediment to their developing romance is Maggie's tightly controlled view of her own place in the world. When she finally begins to question her outlook things gradually shift from black and white to shades of grey. This provides room for their relationship to deepen. There is a good supporting cast, including several individuals from earlier books in the series. They provide Maggie with the occasional nudge when she begins to spiral. Moments of melodrama aside, this is an enjoyable read with a generally satisfying conclusion.
November 11, 2023
Interesting
I enjoyed it. I liked Olivia and Maggie, as well as the secondary characters. It was a good growing up book and finding what you really want. The ending was okay, but felt rushed. Overall, a good book though.
I enjoyed it. I liked Olivia and Maggie, as well as the secondary characters. It was a good growing up book and finding what you really want. The ending was okay, but felt rushed. Overall, a good book though.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews