There’s Pumpkin About You, Athena Carstairs (Review by Kristin Kurek)

There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs was the perfect way to kick off the autumn!

Professional party planner, Wren, is looking for the perfect venue for her best friend’s 30th birthday party and jumpstart her party planning business in areas outside of her hometown. When she stumbles on the Finch family’s Pumpkin Farm, she knows she has found the perfect party venue and pumpkin vendor. The only catch is that she must convince grouchy farm owner, August Finch, to work with her.

Their professional relationship begins with a rocky start. However, Wren learns to accommodate and respect August’s needs as someone who identifies as neurodivergent. August learns that his social difficulties are lessened when around Wren. She inspires him to be a kinder person. Will they be able to overcome their differences to plan the perfect party and have a successful harvest?

This novel was a very quick read which I devoured in one sitting. It was an excellent palate cleanser especially as the weather turns colder and the mornings and evenings get darker. The farm atmosphere was idyllic and gave me allllll the warm fuzzies. Wren and August banter as the sexual tension and comedy escalates. The romance was cozy and was not too spicy. The secondary characters were wonderfully supportive and added to the bucolic environment.

I would warn potential readers that some of the “banter” between Wren and August is just downright unkind. It can be upsetting to read. Also, August uses the derogatory term “sweetheart” to refer to Wren which I find absolutely degrading. But, overall, I found this novel to be a wonderful autumnal break from reality. I would recommend romance readers to grab a cozy blanket, and venti pumpkin spice latte, and a copy of There’s Pumpkin About You!