Candy Apple Kisses by Amy Clipston
Emily never expected to return to Splendid Lake, the quaint town that held her childhood memories, and certainly not to help save Jake's family orchard. She left years ago with dreams of artistic glory in the city, but when Jake calls for help, she can't say no. As she steps back into the beauty of the lakeside community, Emily feels a tug of inspiration she thought she'd lost. Painting the orchard and its autumnal splendor breathes new life into her art, but it also stirs long-dormant emotions for Jake--feelings she's too scared to name, especially with Claire, his ex, hovering so close. Splendid Lake feels like home again, but Emily wonders if she belongs there--and if Jake sees her as more than just a friend.
For Jake, the orchard is more than just a business; it's a living legacy, a bond with his father and a promise to his family. But with a corporate giant threatening to buy up the market and modernize farming in ways he doesn't agree with, Jake feels the weight of saving it all on his shoulders. He knows he can't do it alone, so calling Emily was a no-brainer. What he didn't expect was how much her presence would change things--not just for the orchard but for his life. Amid the chaotic harvest preparations and Claire's lingering attempts to rekindle their broken relationship, Jake begins to realize that Emily might be more than his partner-in-saving-apples; she might just be the missing piece he's been too afraid to reach for.
As the two pour their hearts into revitalizing the orchard, their friendship deepens into something undeniable--until Claire's dramatic reappearance throws everything into chaos. Emily is left wondering if Jake's ready to leave his past behind, while Jake struggles to prove that this time, it's Emily he wants. With the orchard's future hanging by a thread and tensions mounting, Emily and Jake must overcome old fears, meddling exes, and the pressures of family expectations to find the courage to build something new a home, a partnership, and a love worth fighting for.
Review: The setup for this was soooo cute! An apple orchard in smalltown North Carolina and two childhood best friends who are clearly meant to be together! Jake has called Emily home to their hometown to help him with the 100-year anniversary of his family orchard. But a big corporation is threatening the business. And Jake's recent ex, Claire, is threatening the growing feelings between the two of them.
Just a note that I switched back and forth between the physical and the audio for this and I would NOT recommend the audio. The narration was terrible - very stiff and stilted and really ruined the book for me. I was glad I had the physical to go back to. Plus the cover art is gorgeous, and it even had a scratch and sniff apple scented sticker on the front!
This felt like a fall Hallmark movie (complimentary). It was a bit cheesy at times, but I was honestly here for the clean romance and love story. There was a scene when they were dancing in the family's old barn and she tells him she always daydreamed about dancing to a particular old song that had me swooning it was so sweet and romantic.
Jake's ex is absolutely diabolical. I have never in my life seen a stunt like she tried to pull. She needed a restraining order lol. But I was here for the drama. I did wish Jake had been more vocal in rebuking her and denying what she was claiming because Emiliy's feelings got really hurt in the process of all this drama and it didn't have to be that way.
I also thought the title was really cute until I realized it was meant literally. These two bite into candy apples and then kiss for the flavor on each other's lips and I did not love that.
Overall, this was a cute fall romance. If you like sweet, clean romance with Hallmark vibes, this is a great choice!
Stars: 3.5
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