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Something About September: A Cozy Fall Romance
A fall-inspired second-chance romance about a woman who returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s diner, only to discover the contractor she must hire was her high school crush.
Sweater weather is better together.
This September, Rebecca Macintosh is back in Bramley Hollow and she’s not sure how she feels about it. The newly crisp morning air and golden evening light that usually fill her with that delicious back-to-school sense of anticipation aren’t quelling her nerves. Because the last time she was in Bramley Hollow she and Cort Adams, her high school crush, had a nearly-almost moment that left her reeling.
She’s been summoned home by town-spirit tyrant, Mayor Crispin, and has thirty days to fix up her late grandmother’s diner or face the consequences. And the only contractor in town? Cort Adams. As the leaves start to fall, could a spark kindle bright enough that it might call Rebecca home?
Sweater weather is better together.
This September, Rebecca Macintosh is back in Bramley Hollow and she’s not sure how she feels about it. The newly crisp morning air and golden evening light that usually fill her with that delicious back-to-school sense of anticipation aren’t quelling her nerves. Because the last time she was in Bramley Hollow she and Cort Adams, her high school crush, had a nearly-almost moment that left her reeling.
She’s been summoned home by town-spirit tyrant, Mayor Crispin, and has thirty days to fix up her late grandmother’s diner or face the consequences. And the only contractor in town? Cort Adams. As the leaves start to fall, could a spark kindle bright enough that it might call Rebecca home?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something About September written by Julia McKay was such a cute fall themed book full of sweet moments, fall festivities, tender moments, emotional moments, and angst. This book made me miss fall, the cool weather, cute fall clothes, leaves crunching under your shoes, and anything apple related. I'm so beyond ready for fall to get here, I'm so tired of this summer heat and humidity, but this book gave me all the fall vibes I was looking for. Reading this book felt like I was being wrapped in the most comforting hug. Let me start off by saying this book wasn't horrible by any means, but I did have a few issues hence the three star rating- let's jump right into what bugged me, the third-act break-up, the communication skills which weren't there (if you are an adult, you need to communicate like one, TALK), and there was just something missing that I can't exactly put my finger on- I feel like some parts were a bit rushed in my honest opinion. Julia's writing style was so immersive, I flew through this book, but at times I forgot that I was reading a book because it felt like I was watching everything unfold in real time instead of turning pages of a book. If you are looking for something sweet, angsty, and fall themed then you need to mark your calendars for August 18th, 2026, so you don't miss out on Something About September. I have never read anything by this author before, so reading this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Grab yourself a mug of hot tea, your favorite fall sweet treats, and a warm fluffy blanket and buckle down for this sweet read.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND PUTNAM FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
🎧☕ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole🎧☕
0:49 ───|──────2:40
💘🧸🍁🎀First and foremost, I would like to thank my favorite girl Cat for buddy reading this sweet fall themed book with me💘🧸🍁🎀. I had the absolute best time sharing our thoughts together and screaming how much we miss fall. This was actually our first ever buddy read we did together, but I'm a bit late on writing the review as per usual. Anyway, I love you so much, my sweet girl💘🍭. I'm so happy and thankful we got to experience this journey together.
"💝😭I don't feel like I have enough people in my life that I can afford to lose any of them💝😭".
"💗🌱Avoiding something doesn't make it smaller. It just gives it more time to grow💗🌱".
"💞🍂You can live in a place that has so many people, so many places to go, unique things to do, and just get stuck in the same patterns💞🍂".
Rebecca Macintosh is a twenty-nine year old Literature professor at the University of Toronto, but she's taking a leave of absence to go back to her hometown of Bramley Hollow. Bramley Hollow's Business Improvement Association has given Rebecca a thirty day timeline to figure out what she wants to do with her Grannie Lenore's long closed diner with an apartment above. Macintosh's Diner is family owned and ran by Lenore until she couldn't keep up anymore. Inside the diner, there was this table called Macintosh's Table which held many memories, but I guess that's not a good enough reason for Rebecca to hold onto this beloved diner, instead she returns to Bramley Hollow a year later after Lenore's funeral to fix up the diner so she can sell it. Grannie Lenore passed away at the age of eighty-nine. I absolutely adored Grannie Lenore- getting glimpses of the woman that she was truly made it so wholesome. Rebecca's mom died when she was an infant and she doesn't know who her father is, so her grandma Lenore raised her alone after losing her own daughter and her husband. I had sympathy for Rebecca, but her and I got off on a rocky start. I actually had second hand embarrassment for Rebecca, her communication skills were so bad, she had a habit of running from the truth, and placing blame on others but herself- I mean it takes two to tango, I understand there was history and emotions were high, but this woman would always run away. What I loved most about Rebecca was her best friend Sabrina Calloway. Their friendship felt so real and supportive without any unnecessary drama, they were just two girlies who always showed up for each other, ugh I just love being a girls girl.
Cortland "Cort" Adams is the best and only contractor in the small town of Bramley Hollow. Now, I absolutely loved and adored this man, the kindness he showed to other, the patience he had, he was just so admirable, I loved him from the very beginning. Cort is a single dad to his eight year old son Pip that he shares custody with his ex-wife Melanie. Cort was going through a divorce the last time Rebecca came home for the funeral of her grandma. Melanie and Cort are better off as friends, they have no regrets and Cort feels at peace with the divorce. Can we just take a minute and all take advice from Cort Adams? Because this man truly was so wise, "what if realizing you're stuck is the first step to getting unstuck?" "what if it's okay to feel like this?". This man truly had me swooning, it was so nice to see a grown man actually act like an adult instead of being so childish. "I think we sometimes choose the relationships that feel safest". Cort was truly so wise beyond his years. I absolutely adored the co-parenting aspect between Cort and Melanie, there were no hard feelings, it was just two parents who wanted the best for their child which was such a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a man that will make you swoon and sweep you off of your feet, then you better read Something About September so you can meet the one and only sweetheart, Cort Adams.
Rebecca and Cort have known each other since high school when Rebecca was his English tutor. Rebecca and Cort were really good friends, but things went south after Rebecca saw Cort and Melanie at a school dance when they were in high school, Rebecca was in love with Cort but she never said anything, again here's where I had issues with Rebecca's communication skills because instead of letting Cort know how she felt, she just ran from her feelings after seeing them dancing together. Rebecca felt like this was a one sided crush, but honestly she never knew how Cort felt because she DIDN'T COMMUNICATE her feelings for him. According to Rebecca Cort is part of the reason why she stayed away from Bramley Hollow for an entire year because Rebecca tried to kiss Cort right after her grandma's funeral but Cort pushed her away. I mean I could see why Cort did what he did because they just got out of a funeral and Rebecca was trying to smooch up on him like nothing happened, I guess Cort just wanted her to have a clear head instead of acting on emotional impulses. Now that Rebecca's back in Bramley Hollow to fix up the diner, she's acting all stubborn and doesn't want to hire Cort as the contractor all because he rejected her kiss that night, well Rebecca I hate to tell you, but Cort Adams is the one and only contractor in the small town of Bramley Hollow. Despite how stubborn and childish Rebecca is acting right now, the patience Cort had was truly remarkable because I can't deal with an adult acting so childish after a rejected kiss that literally happened a year ago.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND PUTNAM FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!
🎧☕ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole🎧☕
0:49 ───|──────2:40
💘🧸🍁🎀First and foremost, I would like to thank my favorite girl Cat for buddy reading this sweet fall themed book with me💘🧸🍁🎀. I had the absolute best time sharing our thoughts together and screaming how much we miss fall. This was actually our first ever buddy read we did together, but I'm a bit late on writing the review as per usual. Anyway, I love you so much, my sweet girl💘🍭. I'm so happy and thankful we got to experience this journey together.
"💝😭I don't feel like I have enough people in my life that I can afford to lose any of them💝😭".
"💗🌱Avoiding something doesn't make it smaller. It just gives it more time to grow💗🌱".
"💞🍂You can live in a place that has so many people, so many places to go, unique things to do, and just get stuck in the same patterns💞🍂".
Rebecca Macintosh is a twenty-nine year old Literature professor at the University of Toronto, but she's taking a leave of absence to go back to her hometown of Bramley Hollow. Bramley Hollow's Business Improvement Association has given Rebecca a thirty day timeline to figure out what she wants to do with her Grannie Lenore's long closed diner with an apartment above. Macintosh's Diner is family owned and ran by Lenore until she couldn't keep up anymore. Inside the diner, there was this table called Macintosh's Table which held many memories, but I guess that's not a good enough reason for Rebecca to hold onto this beloved diner, instead she returns to Bramley Hollow a year later after Lenore's funeral to fix up the diner so she can sell it. Grannie Lenore passed away at the age of eighty-nine. I absolutely adored Grannie Lenore- getting glimpses of the woman that she was truly made it so wholesome. Rebecca's mom died when she was an infant and she doesn't know who her father is, so her grandma Lenore raised her alone after losing her own daughter and her husband. I had sympathy for Rebecca, but her and I got off on a rocky start. I actually had second hand embarrassment for Rebecca, her communication skills were so bad, she had a habit of running from the truth, and placing blame on others but herself- I mean it takes two to tango, I understand there was history and emotions were high, but this woman would always run away. What I loved most about Rebecca was her best friend Sabrina Calloway. Their friendship felt so real and supportive without any unnecessary drama, they were just two girlies who always showed up for each other, ugh I just love being a girls girl.
Cortland "Cort" Adams is the best and only contractor in the small town of Bramley Hollow. Now, I absolutely loved and adored this man, the kindness he showed to other, the patience he had, he was just so admirable, I loved him from the very beginning. Cort is a single dad to his eight year old son Pip that he shares custody with his ex-wife Melanie. Cort was going through a divorce the last time Rebecca came home for the funeral of her grandma. Melanie and Cort are better off as friends, they have no regrets and Cort feels at peace with the divorce. Can we just take a minute and all take advice from Cort Adams? Because this man truly was so wise, "what if realizing you're stuck is the first step to getting unstuck?" "what if it's okay to feel like this?". This man truly had me swooning, it was so nice to see a grown man actually act like an adult instead of being so childish. "I think we sometimes choose the relationships that feel safest". Cort was truly so wise beyond his years. I absolutely adored the co-parenting aspect between Cort and Melanie, there were no hard feelings, it was just two parents who wanted the best for their child which was such a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a man that will make you swoon and sweep you off of your feet, then you better read Something About September so you can meet the one and only sweetheart, Cort Adams.
Rebecca and Cort have known each other since high school when Rebecca was his English tutor. Rebecca and Cort were really good friends, but things went south after Rebecca saw Cort and Melanie at a school dance when they were in high school, Rebecca was in love with Cort but she never said anything, again here's where I had issues with Rebecca's communication skills because instead of letting Cort know how she felt, she just ran from her feelings after seeing them dancing together. Rebecca felt like this was a one sided crush, but honestly she never knew how Cort felt because she DIDN'T COMMUNICATE her feelings for him. According to Rebecca Cort is part of the reason why she stayed away from Bramley Hollow for an entire year because Rebecca tried to kiss Cort right after her grandma's funeral but Cort pushed her away. I mean I could see why Cort did what he did because they just got out of a funeral and Rebecca was trying to smooch up on him like nothing happened, I guess Cort just wanted her to have a clear head instead of acting on emotional impulses. Now that Rebecca's back in Bramley Hollow to fix up the diner, she's acting all stubborn and doesn't want to hire Cort as the contractor all because he rejected her kiss that night, well Rebecca I hate to tell you, but Cort Adams is the one and only contractor in the small town of Bramley Hollow. Despite how stubborn and childish Rebecca is acting right now, the patience Cort had was truly remarkable because I can't deal with an adult acting so childish after a rejected kiss that literally happened a year ago.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel like I need to start this by saying: this book wraps around you in the coziest way possible… like stepping into crisp air, leaves crunching under your boots, and something warm in your hands. The writing? Genuinely so immersive. There were moments I forgot I was reading because it felt like I was just… there. Sitting in that diner, watching everything unfold in real time. 😌
But ALSO… *deep sigh* this was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me… and not in the way I adore 😭😭
Rebecca and I had a rocky start. Like… I was trying, I really was. But the miscommunication?? The assumptions??? Girl 😭😭😭 I get that emotions were high and history was involved, but some of the heartache felt so avoidable that I found myself lowkey frustrated instead of fully invested at first 🤦🏼♀️ It took me a while to settle into her perspective without wanting to shake her just a little 💀
Now Cort??? Completely different story😝
I loved him. The patience? The kindness? The fact that after everything—after she left, after the distance—he still showed up with so much care??? And then you add in the single dad element (which if yk me you know that’s my weakness)… yeahhhhh he had me. fully🙂↕️🙂↕️
And something I don’t want to gloss over because it really stood out to me!! the friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina. 🫶🏼🤞🏼From the very beginning, it felt solid, supportive, and real. No weird tension, no unnecessary drama. Just two girlies who genuinely love and show up for each other. I ate that up. We need more of that energy😌👏🏼
The story itself had this soft thread of mystery woven through it that kept me curious, and the emotional core very much leaned into that “right person, wrong time” ache. There’s a lot of pining & Longing that stretches across time.
BUT (and this is where my feelings wobble again)…
The third act breakup🧍🏼♀️
it just didn’t land for me. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m picky with those to begin with, and this one didn’t feel strong enough to justify the emotional fallout it created. It pulled me out of the story a bit right when I wanted to be the most locked in🫠🫠
And yet… despite my frustrations, I can’t deny that this was such a soft, comforting, feel-good fall read. 😌 The kind you pick up when you want something warm, a little angsty, a little sweet, and easy to sink into💛🧡
things to know about the book ↓
🍂 second chance
🍂 high school crush
🍂 single dad
🍂 cozy fall vibes
🍂 slow-burn pining
🍂 miscommunication
🍂 third act breakup
🍂 single POV (hers in 3rd person)
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Putnam & Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-•-I had the bestest time reading with my beautiful bestie girl Cara 😍😘 Can’t wait for our next buddy read cutie!!-•-
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
so excited to start this one! the cover is so pretty!!
Buddy reading with beautiful Cara 💗🫶🏼
But ALSO… *deep sigh* this was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me… and not in the way I adore 😭😭
Rebecca and I had a rocky start. Like… I was trying, I really was. But the miscommunication?? The assumptions??? Girl 😭😭😭 I get that emotions were high and history was involved, but some of the heartache felt so avoidable that I found myself lowkey frustrated instead of fully invested at first 🤦🏼♀️ It took me a while to settle into her perspective without wanting to shake her just a little 💀
Now Cort??? Completely different story😝
I loved him. The patience? The kindness? The fact that after everything—after she left, after the distance—he still showed up with so much care??? And then you add in the single dad element (which if yk me you know that’s my weakness)… yeahhhhh he had me. fully🙂↕️🙂↕️
And something I don’t want to gloss over because it really stood out to me!! the friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina. 🫶🏼🤞🏼From the very beginning, it felt solid, supportive, and real. No weird tension, no unnecessary drama. Just two girlies who genuinely love and show up for each other. I ate that up. We need more of that energy😌👏🏼
The story itself had this soft thread of mystery woven through it that kept me curious, and the emotional core very much leaned into that “right person, wrong time” ache. There’s a lot of pining & Longing that stretches across time.
BUT (and this is where my feelings wobble again)…
The third act breakup🧍🏼♀️
it just didn’t land for me. 🤷🏼♀️ I’m picky with those to begin with, and this one didn’t feel strong enough to justify the emotional fallout it created. It pulled me out of the story a bit right when I wanted to be the most locked in🫠🫠
And yet… despite my frustrations, I can’t deny that this was such a soft, comforting, feel-good fall read. 😌 The kind you pick up when you want something warm, a little angsty, a little sweet, and easy to sink into💛🧡
things to know about the book ↓
🍂 second chance
🍂 high school crush
🍂 single dad
🍂 cozy fall vibes
🍂 slow-burn pining
🍂 miscommunication
🍂 third act breakup
🍂 single POV (hers in 3rd person)
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Putnam & Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-•-I had the bestest time reading with my beautiful bestie girl Cara 😍😘 Can’t wait for our next buddy read cutie!!-•-
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
so excited to start this one! the cover is so pretty!!
Buddy reading with beautiful Cara 💗🫶🏼
August 25, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released called, Something About September. This is about Rebecca, she has to go back to her hometown to fix up and sell her grandmother's diner after she passed. And the only contractor in town is Cort, who was her childhood friend turned teenage crush. Now they're adults and he's the last person she wants to see because when she finally took a chance and tried to be more than friends with him a year ago but he turned her down. But as they're stuck spending time together while fixing up the diner Cort starts to open up, the town welcomes her back, and she starts to wonder if this is exactly where she's meant to be.
This was a sweet, small town, second chance romance! I loved how after some resistance Rebecca and Cort finally got everything out in the open which cleared up misunderstandings, healed their hearts, and gave them a second chance at love. This story was full of fall vibes, delivers on the small town charm, and even had a little mystery tied in! I really enjoyed this book! Also I LOVED that Cort and his son had a sourdough starter, and that Cort had a fresh loaf of sourdough bread when he made Rebecca dinner. I was absolutely thrilled when I read that, and I was so excited to include my sourdough starter and a fresh loaf of sourdough bread with my book review pic! 💛📚
Thank you to Julia McKay, Putnam, and Netgalley for this ARC of Something About September, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, small town, second chance romance! I loved how after some resistance Rebecca and Cort finally got everything out in the open which cleared up misunderstandings, healed their hearts, and gave them a second chance at love. This story was full of fall vibes, delivers on the small town charm, and even had a little mystery tied in! I really enjoyed this book! Also I LOVED that Cort and his son had a sourdough starter, and that Cort had a fresh loaf of sourdough bread when he made Rebecca dinner. I was absolutely thrilled when I read that, and I was so excited to include my sourdough starter and a fresh loaf of sourdough bread with my book review pic! 💛📚
Thank you to Julia McKay, Putnam, and Netgalley for this ARC of Something About September, in exchange for an honest review.
Read
March 24, 2026🍂🥧 Something About September 🥧🍂
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🧡 What to Expect
• Second chance romance
• Small town return
• High school crush
• Single dad MMC
• Family inheritance
• Homecoming story
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: August 18, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
🧡 What to Expect
• Second chance romance
• Small town return
• High school crush
• Single dad MMC
• Family inheritance
• Homecoming story
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: August 18, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 22, 2026
This was just plain cute and gave off all the vibes of Stars Hollow 🤭
Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam Publishers for the eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam Publishers for the eARC.
August 15, 2026
Total hallmark movie of a book. Everything was so darn cozy. And yeah, there were difficult emotions. Old hurts (and new ones!) had to be resolved. But the setting of the book was settled over everything like a warm blanket. No matter the difficult emotions happening, the book still snuggled you close and kept you safe. I love the security of knowing a happy ending will be coming - you just need that sometimes, you know?
August 23, 2026
Sweet, cozy fall romance! We’re talking apple orchards, a small town diner, a giant pumpkin lol - you know the drill 🎃 Easy read with heart, and nice if you need a palette cleanser after something darker or heavier, but maybe not one I’d find super memorable after time!
August 26, 2026
This was another sweet, cozy, hallmark vibes book with a little spice. It is the perfect little book to add to your fall/cozy reads!
July 24, 2026
This book will make you crave fall. In a big way.
I’m a summer lover and it still made me nostalgic for fall. This book is absolutely packed with fall vibes. I could almost smell the smell of the turning leaves in the air (yes, for those who don’t live in an area with fall, the leaves have a scent as they change color).
There were so many delicious sounding apple recipes, and I loved all of the fall-themed events at Rebecca’s best friend Sabrina’s family farm. Even the descriptions of the clothes they were wearing (chunky sweaters, fair isle patterns, boots) made me crave some cooler weather (and this is coming from someone who loves the heat of summer).
This reminded me of a Carley Fortune book in that it takes place in Canada and will 100 percent make you want to visit Canada by the end of it.
I enjoyed the writing style and found the book to be an easy read. I’ve previously read Christmas books by this author and enjoyed them so that’s no surprise.
The story was cute and fun. I liked Rebecca as a character and found her easy to root for. It was a little sad with Rebecca mourning her beloved grandmother who raised her and the mother she never knew. I liked the love interest Court as well. I liked what a good dad he was to his son and he and Rebecca had a good connection and were open and honest with each other.
Definitely pick this one up if you are a lover of fall. It was really cute.
Thank you to the publisher, G P Putnam’s Sons, for thinking of me and sending me this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I’m a summer lover and it still made me nostalgic for fall. This book is absolutely packed with fall vibes. I could almost smell the smell of the turning leaves in the air (yes, for those who don’t live in an area with fall, the leaves have a scent as they change color).
There were so many delicious sounding apple recipes, and I loved all of the fall-themed events at Rebecca’s best friend Sabrina’s family farm. Even the descriptions of the clothes they were wearing (chunky sweaters, fair isle patterns, boots) made me crave some cooler weather (and this is coming from someone who loves the heat of summer).
This reminded me of a Carley Fortune book in that it takes place in Canada and will 100 percent make you want to visit Canada by the end of it.
I enjoyed the writing style and found the book to be an easy read. I’ve previously read Christmas books by this author and enjoyed them so that’s no surprise.
The story was cute and fun. I liked Rebecca as a character and found her easy to root for. It was a little sad with Rebecca mourning her beloved grandmother who raised her and the mother she never knew. I liked the love interest Court as well. I liked what a good dad he was to his son and he and Rebecca had a good connection and were open and honest with each other.
Definitely pick this one up if you are a lover of fall. It was really cute.
Thank you to the publisher, G P Putnam’s Sons, for thinking of me and sending me this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2026
🍂🎃💕
Hallelujah! A FMC who recognizes her mistake in her behavior from the get-go, corrects it, and actually makes amends. That is incredibly refreshing.
Rebecca is such a breath of fresh air. Her feelings are completely valid, but she handles them with so much maturity and thoughtfulness. I loved watching her navigate everything without unnecessary drama or poor communication.
This book is just so comfy. I eat up small-town books, especially when they have older characters who remind the main character of their past and cheer them on for who they are today—with no judgment about their decisions or how they handle grief. Those characters added so much warmth to the story.
And Sabrina? A+ best friend. Hardworking, innovative, loyal, and always present. You can tell she desperately wants Rebecca to stay, but she never pressures her. She loves her BFF so well, and I absolutely adored their friendship. 💕
The pumpkin watch, s’mores, shared sleeping bag, and shooting star scene were magical. It was peak cozy romance and exactly the kind of scene I want to curl up inside.
Even the conflict worked for me because it was actually reasonable: she’s leaving, he’s staying. Simple, but completely logical given who they are and what they want. No manufactured drama necessary.
I even enjoyed the maturity and growth from Heather and Melanie. Their character arcs felt genuine and satisfying.
All in all, this was warm, cozy, comforting, and the absolute epitome of a happily-ever-after. I ate it UP.
And honestly? I need a film adaptation of this pronto. 🎬🍂
Hallelujah! A FMC who recognizes her mistake in her behavior from the get-go, corrects it, and actually makes amends. That is incredibly refreshing.
Rebecca is such a breath of fresh air. Her feelings are completely valid, but she handles them with so much maturity and thoughtfulness. I loved watching her navigate everything without unnecessary drama or poor communication.
This book is just so comfy. I eat up small-town books, especially when they have older characters who remind the main character of their past and cheer them on for who they are today—with no judgment about their decisions or how they handle grief. Those characters added so much warmth to the story.
And Sabrina? A+ best friend. Hardworking, innovative, loyal, and always present. You can tell she desperately wants Rebecca to stay, but she never pressures her. She loves her BFF so well, and I absolutely adored their friendship. 💕
The pumpkin watch, s’mores, shared sleeping bag, and shooting star scene were magical. It was peak cozy romance and exactly the kind of scene I want to curl up inside.
Even the conflict worked for me because it was actually reasonable: she’s leaving, he’s staying. Simple, but completely logical given who they are and what they want. No manufactured drama necessary.
I even enjoyed the maturity and growth from Heather and Melanie. Their character arcs felt genuine and satisfying.
All in all, this was warm, cozy, comforting, and the absolute epitome of a happily-ever-after. I ate it UP.
And honestly? I need a film adaptation of this pronto. 🎬🍂
August 23, 2026
I could relate to Rebecca so much when she feels dissatisfied with her career in the city and how much she misses her mom.
I love Rebecca and Sabrina's friendship and how Sabrina accepts Rebecca staying away for a year because she thought it was too painful to return to her hometown when her grandmother passed. The real reason she stayed away was because she was embarrassed by the rejection of her high school crush, Cort.
Cort always knew she was going to leave Bramley Hollow when she tutored him in high school. After her return to their hometown, the line between friendship and something blurs as Cort takes her to his favorite places and they fall asleep under the stars.
Rebecca is the reason why they're together as she made the first move on Cort in the past, Cort ended things so easily after a convo with his ex, and Rebecca sent the first text to fix things. Cort should've taken more risks to be with her, as Becca was the only one fighting for their relationship.
Rebecca feels lonely after losing Lenore, but she has a family with Sabrina's parents and with Cort and Pip. A slow trickle of tears fell down my face as I read the ending. Rebecca avoided home but dreams and people change. This is a beautiful story of grief, friendship, found family, and first love.
Thank you, Putnam and NetGalley, for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I love Rebecca and Sabrina's friendship and how Sabrina accepts Rebecca staying away for a year because she thought it was too painful to return to her hometown when her grandmother passed. The real reason she stayed away was because she was embarrassed by the rejection of her high school crush, Cort.
Cort always knew she was going to leave Bramley Hollow when she tutored him in high school. After her return to their hometown, the line between friendship and something blurs as Cort takes her to his favorite places and they fall asleep under the stars.
Rebecca is the reason why they're together as she made the first move on Cort in the past, Cort ended things so easily after a convo with his ex, and Rebecca sent the first text to fix things. Cort should've taken more risks to be with her, as Becca was the only one fighting for their relationship.
Rebecca feels lonely after losing Lenore, but she has a family with Sabrina's parents and with Cort and Pip. A slow trickle of tears fell down my face as I read the ending. Rebecca avoided home but dreams and people change. This is a beautiful story of grief, friendship, found family, and first love.
Thank you, Putnam and NetGalley, for my digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 18, 2026
If you’re looking for a cute, cozy fall palate cleanser, this is definitely the book for you! This was such a quick and easy read that I flew through it in one day.
We follow Rebecca (Becca) and Cortland (Cort). Becca used to tutor Cort in high school, while Cort was the hot football captain she knew she had no shot with, so she followed her dreams and left her small hometown. Now living in Toronto, Becca has to return home to sort through her late grandmother’s diner a year after her passing. Of course, coming back brings up old memories and old feelings, especially when Cort ends up being the only person in town who can restore the diner.
I liked Becca and Cort’s chemistry, especially when they are both acting shy to one another; it just felt so cute. I really enjoyed the little flashbacks that gave us glimpses into their history and showed that their connection was always there.
Overall, this was such a sweet, low-stress read with small-town vibes, second-chance feelings, and a cozy fall atmosphere. Exactly the kind of book I’d recommend when you want something cute and easy to get lost in! 🍂🤎
Thank you to Julia, Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for an advance copy to provide my honest review.
We follow Rebecca (Becca) and Cortland (Cort). Becca used to tutor Cort in high school, while Cort was the hot football captain she knew she had no shot with, so she followed her dreams and left her small hometown. Now living in Toronto, Becca has to return home to sort through her late grandmother’s diner a year after her passing. Of course, coming back brings up old memories and old feelings, especially when Cort ends up being the only person in town who can restore the diner.
I liked Becca and Cort’s chemistry, especially when they are both acting shy to one another; it just felt so cute. I really enjoyed the little flashbacks that gave us glimpses into their history and showed that their connection was always there.
Overall, this was such a sweet, low-stress read with small-town vibes, second-chance feelings, and a cozy fall atmosphere. Exactly the kind of book I’d recommend when you want something cute and easy to get lost in! 🍂🤎
Thank you to Julia, Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for an advance copy to provide my honest review.
July 23, 2026
3.75/5
This was such a cute and cozy read. I absolutely loved the setting! I really enjoyed the small town fall vibes, and the Hallmark feel. The writing was very descriptive, and made feel like I was there. I could almost feel the crisp air and hear the crunching leaves. I was really craving some homemade apple pie and apple cider by the end.
The romance overall was good. I loved the angst and the pining. The two main characters definitely had chemistry. They were so sweet together, and it was clear how they’ve always been right for each other. However, the miscommunication was really frustrating at times. Also, the conflict towards the end seemed a little abrupt and weak.
The friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina also deserves an honorable mention. It was beautiful and I’m glad bow everything turned out for them both!
This will definitely be a great seasonal fall read with it coming out in August. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cute and cozy seasonal read this coming fall.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute and cozy read. I absolutely loved the setting! I really enjoyed the small town fall vibes, and the Hallmark feel. The writing was very descriptive, and made feel like I was there. I could almost feel the crisp air and hear the crunching leaves. I was really craving some homemade apple pie and apple cider by the end.
The romance overall was good. I loved the angst and the pining. The two main characters definitely had chemistry. They were so sweet together, and it was clear how they’ve always been right for each other. However, the miscommunication was really frustrating at times. Also, the conflict towards the end seemed a little abrupt and weak.
The friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina also deserves an honorable mention. It was beautiful and I’m glad bow everything turned out for them both!
This will definitely be a great seasonal fall read with it coming out in August. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a cute and cozy seasonal read this coming fall.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2026
This made me tear up, and let me tell you- I was not expecting to cry this morning! Honestly, I need to stop reading books about characters who never got to meet their mothers- they have me bawling like a baby every single time.
Something About September is such a cozy, fun fall romance. It has everything you could ask for and more- a rundown diner in need of repair, a small town, second chance romance, a fall festival coming up- basically everything one needs to read in the fall for survival. I personally live off of a steady diet of pumpkin spice lattes and romance novels in September and October, and this is the perfect example.
I love when characters return to their hometowns feeling lost and unsure, because it means that in the end, they’re going to find themselves. And for Rebecca McIntosh, this is precisely what happens. Feeling burnt out and confused, she returns home to her small town just for a month. Just enough time to repair her grandmother’s diner and sell it. But she ends up finding so much more.
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the e-arc! Something About September releases on August 18!
Something About September is such a cozy, fun fall romance. It has everything you could ask for and more- a rundown diner in need of repair, a small town, second chance romance, a fall festival coming up- basically everything one needs to read in the fall for survival. I personally live off of a steady diet of pumpkin spice lattes and romance novels in September and October, and this is the perfect example.
I love when characters return to their hometowns feeling lost and unsure, because it means that in the end, they’re going to find themselves. And for Rebecca McIntosh, this is precisely what happens. Feeling burnt out and confused, she returns home to her small town just for a month. Just enough time to repair her grandmother’s diner and sell it. But she ends up finding so much more.
Thank you to Netgalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the e-arc! Something About September releases on August 18!
August 26, 2026
While I’m still desperately holding onto summer, this book was the perfect little preview of fall. The idyllic autumn setting and cozy atmosphere made me want to curl up under a blanket with a warm drink and dive right in. The whole vibe felt straight out of a Hallmark movie!
I’ll admit, I absolutely loathe miscommunication and third act breakups, and those elements definitely left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. But the abundance of fall festivities, cozy moments, and overall autumnal atmosphere were enough to keep me invested and ultimately enjoy the ride.
Read this if you like:
🍂Fall
🏘️Small Town Romance
✌️Second Chance Romance
🧍♂️Single Dad
🎬Hallmark Vibes
🇨🇦Canadian Setting
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads
I’ll admit, I absolutely loathe miscommunication and third act breakups, and those elements definitely left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. But the abundance of fall festivities, cozy moments, and overall autumnal atmosphere were enough to keep me invested and ultimately enjoy the ride.
Read this if you like:
🍂Fall
🏘️Small Town Romance
✌️Second Chance Romance
🧍♂️Single Dad
🎬Hallmark Vibes
🇨🇦Canadian Setting
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads
August 19, 2026
First of all, IMMACULATE FALL VIBES which was exactly what I was hoping for. The food, the decorations, the fall festival and gala all made me wish I could be wearing my coziest of sweaters, eating an apple cider donut on a brisk October day immediately. Like many of the romances I love, this book had so much more going on than just a love story. There was such a beautiful friendship, a look at grief and that feeling of not being sure where you belong or fit anymore. I really loved Rebecca so much, especially her friendship with Sabrina. Cort was wonderful and I loved how much he cared for Rebecca, his son and their town. The miscommunication was a little frustrating at times, but that’s more of a personal thing. This book is VERY sweet. Like Hallmark level cutesy-ness which I didn’t mind at all, but just throwing it out there for other readers. I think it’s a pretty solid fall read for the atmosphere alone and CERTAINLY for the food descriptions and as I always say with a book like this, don’t read on an empty stomach!
Thank you to Putnam Books for the digital reader’s copy!
Thank you to Putnam Books for the digital reader’s copy!
August 26, 2026
Rounded up to 4 stars. This was cozy and predictable (even for me) like every small town fall romance should be. It may be 95 degrees outside, but today I’m pretending it feels like autumn in Bramley Hollow.
August 24, 2026
Is it bad that after finishing this book, i can barely remember anything that occurred except for that unnecessary 3rd act? I guess cozy romance is not for me 🥲🥲
June 4, 2026
This book gave me cozy, early-2000s prime-time Gilmore Girls vibes, and I was here for it. ☕🏡
The third-person POV threw me off a bit at first, and I wasn't sure it was the best choice for me since I occasionally felt pulled out of the story. That said, the dialogue between the characters was innocent and full of pining and was making it easy to stay invested in the story and relationships.
I especially loved Cort as the MMC. 🥹 He was soft, thoughtful, and gentle and I appreciated how he gave Rebecca the space she needed to grow into herself. Their relationship developed in such a naturally unproblematic way, and I really enjoyed being able to sense that Cort had been pining for much longer than Rebecca had. ❤️
Tropes:
✨ Second-chance romance
🐌 Slow burn
🏡 Small-town romance
🤍 Found family
📚 Single POV
I wanted to thank Netgalley for this ARC
The third-person POV threw me off a bit at first, and I wasn't sure it was the best choice for me since I occasionally felt pulled out of the story. That said, the dialogue between the characters was innocent and full of pining and was making it easy to stay invested in the story and relationships.
I especially loved Cort as the MMC. 🥹 He was soft, thoughtful, and gentle and I appreciated how he gave Rebecca the space she needed to grow into herself. Their relationship developed in such a naturally unproblematic way, and I really enjoyed being able to sense that Cort had been pining for much longer than Rebecca had. ❤️
Tropes:
✨ Second-chance romance
🐌 Slow burn
🏡 Small-town romance
🤍 Found family
📚 Single POV
I wanted to thank Netgalley for this ARC
May 17, 2026
This book was very cute, but it didn’t do anything for me. Maybe, if I had read it in the fall, it would have hit harder with the cozy autumn vibes, but ultimately, it just didn’t stand out to me and didn’t have anything about it that made it feel distinct in an overcrowded genre of cozy romances.
May 2, 2026
This felt like slipping into an old Fleet Foxes song… soft, dreamy, a little wistful, and completely comforting in the best way. 🍂🎶 And yes, I was fully swept up from the start.
Cort completely stole my heart. A devoted single dad, endlessly kind, and quietly growing into himself… the way he shows up for his son and builds a life with intention was just so lovely to read. Truly top-tier book boyfriend energy. 🤍 Becca’s journey hit in that very specific way where you realize she had to go chase the “right” life just to figure out it wasn’t actually hers. It felt real, a little messy, and completely earned in the end. 🌿
And the romance? Exactly my weakness. Right person, wrong time, and then finally the courage to stop pretending otherwise. It was soft, emotional, and had me fully invested.✨
Honestly, this felt like the kind of story you just want to live inside for a while. Cozy, a little dreamy, and just so satisfying. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 📚
Cort completely stole my heart. A devoted single dad, endlessly kind, and quietly growing into himself… the way he shows up for his son and builds a life with intention was just so lovely to read. Truly top-tier book boyfriend energy. 🤍 Becca’s journey hit in that very specific way where you realize she had to go chase the “right” life just to figure out it wasn’t actually hers. It felt real, a little messy, and completely earned in the end. 🌿
And the romance? Exactly my weakness. Right person, wrong time, and then finally the courage to stop pretending otherwise. It was soft, emotional, and had me fully invested.✨
Honestly, this felt like the kind of story you just want to live inside for a while. Cozy, a little dreamy, and just so satisfying. I loved it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 📚
April 29, 2026
This was so cozy! This will be the perfect read when it releases in August!
I really enjoyed the writing. Julia does a very good job immersing you into the story with all of the whimsical smilies and metaphors. It felt like I knew what every scene smelled like. You could just feel the coziness radiating from the pages.
Add that to the small town vibes and you get a great fall read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review!
I really enjoyed the writing. Julia does a very good job immersing you into the story with all of the whimsical smilies and metaphors. It felt like I knew what every scene smelled like. You could just feel the coziness radiating from the pages.
Add that to the small town vibes and you get a great fall read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are looking for the perfect Fall book to start your Fall season off just right, the Something About September is the perfect book for you. It's a great book that allows for the last grips of summer to fall away and for fall to envelop you it's cozy grasp. You can feel the cool mornings and nights and the warmer days coming right off the page. It made me excited for the Fall as I am currently suffering through Summers tumultuous heat waves and thunderstorms.
Something About September takes small town charm and amps it up to 11. I absolutely loved the small town of Bramley Hollow. I felt like Julia McKay hit all the high points of small town - nosy neighbors, the gossiping, the overbearing town manager, the friendship, the history. She hit it all with such aplomb and charm, you couldn't help but want to move to Bramley Hollow. I also really loved the residents of Bramley Hollow. You definitely got the sense of community throughout the story. You could at times feel the irritation of living in a small town seep through the characters but that made the moments when they all showed up together all the more sweeter. It also reminded me of the small town my dad grew up in. Julia McKay definitely hit the nail on the head with Bramley Hollow.
The story follows Rebecca as she is unceremoniously summoned back to Bramley Hollow one year after the passing of her grandmother. She hasn't really been home in probably a decade. She left and hasn't really looked back. She was running from her past but also trying to find her way. Initially, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Rebecca. She seemed so standoffish that I wasn't sure I would relate to her. But as the story continued, I loved that we as the reader got to peel back the layers of Rebecca. That we were slowly introduced to Rebecca in a way that felt organic but also made me root for her. Her return means fixing up and selling the only home she knew and the diner her grandmother loved. But she isn't sure she wants to do this but at the same time she is unsure if she wants to stay where the memories haunt her.
Enter Cort. The typical small town hero. The football star turned small town good guy. I immediately loved Cort the moment he hit the page. There was something that was so earnest and wholesome about him that you couldn't help but like him. He was a genuinely nice guy - and I mean that with all the respect. He cared about Rebecca and the town. You could see this in how he opted to run the family business, help the town out, and ultimately, help Rebecca. He was also such a good dad. I loved that Cort embodied what it meant to be a dad.
Rebecca and Cort have a history. It's been right person, wrong time for more than a decade. And this notion is subtlety and not so subtlety interwoven throughout the story. You can hear it the unspoken words and the soft glances. The yearning jumps off the page at times, allowing the reader to really feel a part of the story. But underneath the yearning is years of hurt and anguish and misunderstandings. I loved that the author didn't make their reunion easy. She allowed them to meet each other where they were and to figure out to make a relationship work because that is every day life.
One thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the third act break up. It didn't have the emotional landing that I feel like all the yearning should have had. It felt more like a business transaction instead of a break up. And I wish there had been a bit more emotion or depth behind it.
But one thing that I absolutely loved was the friendship between Sabrina and Rebecca. I loved how strong their friendship was and that they both allowed the other to shine and that they always pushed each other to be the best versions of themselves. Sometimes in romances, I do love when the friendships are just as important as the romantic relationship. It adds to the story on so many levels.
This is a perfect fall cozy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Something About September takes small town charm and amps it up to 11. I absolutely loved the small town of Bramley Hollow. I felt like Julia McKay hit all the high points of small town - nosy neighbors, the gossiping, the overbearing town manager, the friendship, the history. She hit it all with such aplomb and charm, you couldn't help but want to move to Bramley Hollow. I also really loved the residents of Bramley Hollow. You definitely got the sense of community throughout the story. You could at times feel the irritation of living in a small town seep through the characters but that made the moments when they all showed up together all the more sweeter. It also reminded me of the small town my dad grew up in. Julia McKay definitely hit the nail on the head with Bramley Hollow.
The story follows Rebecca as she is unceremoniously summoned back to Bramley Hollow one year after the passing of her grandmother. She hasn't really been home in probably a decade. She left and hasn't really looked back. She was running from her past but also trying to find her way. Initially, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Rebecca. She seemed so standoffish that I wasn't sure I would relate to her. But as the story continued, I loved that we as the reader got to peel back the layers of Rebecca. That we were slowly introduced to Rebecca in a way that felt organic but also made me root for her. Her return means fixing up and selling the only home she knew and the diner her grandmother loved. But she isn't sure she wants to do this but at the same time she is unsure if she wants to stay where the memories haunt her.
Enter Cort. The typical small town hero. The football star turned small town good guy. I immediately loved Cort the moment he hit the page. There was something that was so earnest and wholesome about him that you couldn't help but like him. He was a genuinely nice guy - and I mean that with all the respect. He cared about Rebecca and the town. You could see this in how he opted to run the family business, help the town out, and ultimately, help Rebecca. He was also such a good dad. I loved that Cort embodied what it meant to be a dad.
Rebecca and Cort have a history. It's been right person, wrong time for more than a decade. And this notion is subtlety and not so subtlety interwoven throughout the story. You can hear it the unspoken words and the soft glances. The yearning jumps off the page at times, allowing the reader to really feel a part of the story. But underneath the yearning is years of hurt and anguish and misunderstandings. I loved that the author didn't make their reunion easy. She allowed them to meet each other where they were and to figure out to make a relationship work because that is every day life.
One thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the third act break up. It didn't have the emotional landing that I feel like all the yearning should have had. It felt more like a business transaction instead of a break up. And I wish there had been a bit more emotion or depth behind it.
But one thing that I absolutely loved was the friendship between Sabrina and Rebecca. I loved how strong their friendship was and that they both allowed the other to shine and that they always pushed each other to be the best versions of themselves. Sometimes in romances, I do love when the friendships are just as important as the romantic relationship. It adds to the story on so many levels.
This is a perfect fall cozy read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something About September feels like someone took Gilmore Girls, added 40% more yearning, dumped a truckload of pumpkins on it, and then said, "What if every single person in this town was deeply invested in your personal business?"
Rebecca comes back to Bramley Hollow intending to fix up her late grandmother's diner, sell it, and get right back to her carefully constructed Toronto life. Unfortunately, life has other plans. By which I mean Cort Adams. Because naturally the only contractor in town is the guy she's been weird about for approximately a thousand years.
And Cort... listen. I understand why Rebecca was down bad. This man is a contractor. He's a single dad. He's patient. He's kind. He bakes bread with his son. At one point I was ready to check his pulse because no actual human man should have this many romance-novel qualifications at the same time. Pick a struggle, sir.
The funniest part is that these two spend so much of the book acting like they need the FBI to uncover the mystery of whether they have feelings for each other. Meanwhile every person in Bramley Hollow is basically standing outside with a giant flashing sign that says YOU TWO ARE IN LOVE. The town knows. The diner knows. The pumpkins know. I think the sourdough starter knows.
The thing that kept me invested wasn't even the romance, though. It was Rebecca trying to figure out what the hell she's doing with her life. Because that's the sneaky little emotional landmine hiding underneath all the cozy autumn nonsense. She built the life she thought she was supposed to want. She got the degrees. She left town. She chased the dream. Then she gets home and starts having the deeply inconvenient realization that success and happiness are not always the same thing. Rude.
I also loved Sabrina, mostly because every time Rebecca started spiraling into another misunderstanding, Sabrina felt like the only person operating with access to the full adult version of her brain. Their friendship had that rare quality where it actually felt lived in. No manufactured drama. No weird jealousy. Just two women who genuinely show up for each other, which honestly felt more refreshing than half the romance plot.
Now, did the miscommunication get on my nerves? Absolutely. There were moments when I wanted to lock Rebecca and Cort in the diner overnight with a pot of coffee and a legally binding requirement to finish one conversation. Some of the conflict feels like it could've been solved in twenty minutes. Fifteen if everybody walked fast.
But the book is so aggressively cozy that I couldn't stay mad. Every chapter feels like it smells faintly of cinnamon. Bramley Hollow has the energy of a town where people absolutely know your business but somehow it feels comforting instead of threatening. It's basically Stars Hollow's Canadian cousin who owns more flannel.
By the end, I was less invested in whether Rebecca and Cort would get together and more invested in whether Rebecca would finally stop treating her own happiness like an optional side quest. That's where the book worked best for me. Underneath all the apple pie and pining, it's really about learning that sometimes the life you thought you wanted and the life that actually fits are two completely different things.
A very solid 3.5 stars from me. Cort Adams remains the strongest argument for small-town living I've encountered in years, and this book made me want fall immediately, which is impressive considering I'm saying this while sweating through summer.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. I'd also like reimbursement for the amount of apple cider donuts I now feel entitled to consume.
Rebecca comes back to Bramley Hollow intending to fix up her late grandmother's diner, sell it, and get right back to her carefully constructed Toronto life. Unfortunately, life has other plans. By which I mean Cort Adams. Because naturally the only contractor in town is the guy she's been weird about for approximately a thousand years.
And Cort... listen. I understand why Rebecca was down bad. This man is a contractor. He's a single dad. He's patient. He's kind. He bakes bread with his son. At one point I was ready to check his pulse because no actual human man should have this many romance-novel qualifications at the same time. Pick a struggle, sir.
The funniest part is that these two spend so much of the book acting like they need the FBI to uncover the mystery of whether they have feelings for each other. Meanwhile every person in Bramley Hollow is basically standing outside with a giant flashing sign that says YOU TWO ARE IN LOVE. The town knows. The diner knows. The pumpkins know. I think the sourdough starter knows.
The thing that kept me invested wasn't even the romance, though. It was Rebecca trying to figure out what the hell she's doing with her life. Because that's the sneaky little emotional landmine hiding underneath all the cozy autumn nonsense. She built the life she thought she was supposed to want. She got the degrees. She left town. She chased the dream. Then she gets home and starts having the deeply inconvenient realization that success and happiness are not always the same thing. Rude.
I also loved Sabrina, mostly because every time Rebecca started spiraling into another misunderstanding, Sabrina felt like the only person operating with access to the full adult version of her brain. Their friendship had that rare quality where it actually felt lived in. No manufactured drama. No weird jealousy. Just two women who genuinely show up for each other, which honestly felt more refreshing than half the romance plot.
Now, did the miscommunication get on my nerves? Absolutely. There were moments when I wanted to lock Rebecca and Cort in the diner overnight with a pot of coffee and a legally binding requirement to finish one conversation. Some of the conflict feels like it could've been solved in twenty minutes. Fifteen if everybody walked fast.
But the book is so aggressively cozy that I couldn't stay mad. Every chapter feels like it smells faintly of cinnamon. Bramley Hollow has the energy of a town where people absolutely know your business but somehow it feels comforting instead of threatening. It's basically Stars Hollow's Canadian cousin who owns more flannel.
By the end, I was less invested in whether Rebecca and Cort would get together and more invested in whether Rebecca would finally stop treating her own happiness like an optional side quest. That's where the book worked best for me. Underneath all the apple pie and pining, it's really about learning that sometimes the life you thought you wanted and the life that actually fits are two completely different things.
A very solid 3.5 stars from me. Cort Adams remains the strongest argument for small-town living I've encountered in years, and this book made me want fall immediately, which is impressive considering I'm saying this while sweating through summer.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC. I'd also like reimbursement for the amount of apple cider donuts I now feel entitled to consume.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
small-town romance 🤝 second chances 🤝 "maybe going home wasn't the step backward i thought it would be"
okay but...there's just something about stories that take place in the fall.
give me a crisp autumn weather, a cozy small town with some unresolved feelings and two people who clearly still have unfinished business and i'm already invested.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
what i loved was THE COZY ATMOSPHERE.
this book feels like September in the best way, it's warm without being overly sweet, comforting without feeling boring and it captures that bittersweet feeling of seasons changing and life moving forward really well.
i could practically picture the changing leaves, local cafés and quiet streets while reading.
i also really enjoyed the romance.
it's the kind of relationship that builds on shared history instead of instant attraction, and i always appreciate romances where the characters actually have to work through their past before they can move forward.
there's plenty of longing, awkward moments and conversations that probably should've happened years ago...which made everything feel a little more real.
the emotional side of the story was probably my favorite part, it's about more than just falling in love, it's also about figuring out where you belong, learning to let go of old expectations and realizing that sometimes going back home doesn't mean you're moving backwards.
those quieter moments ended up being the ones that stuck with me the most.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
BUT...
okay, this is definitely more of a cozy, character-driven romance than a fast-paced one.
so if you're looking for huge twists or constant drama, this probably won't be the book for you.
the pacing slows down in the middle and while i didn't mind spending time with the characters, there were a few moments where i wished the story moved forward a little quicker. i also would've liked a bit more emotional tension before everything started falling into place.
the romance is sweet, but i wanted just a little more angst to really make the payoff hit.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
overall this was exactly the kind of book i like picking up when i want something comforting, it's heartfelt, cozy, and full of characters who are simply trying to figure out what comes next.
sometimes that's all i need.
so if you like small-town romances, second chances, some cozy autumn vibes with character-driven stories and romances with plenty of heart...i think you'll really enjoy this one.
My final thoughts;
i came for the September vibes...
i stayed because apparently i'm incapable of resisting a cozy small-town romance with unresolved feelings. 🍂🤎📖
Thank You to NetGalley for providing me an ARC!
small-town romance 🤝 second chances 🤝 "maybe going home wasn't the step backward i thought it would be"
okay but...there's just something about stories that take place in the fall.
give me a crisp autumn weather, a cozy small town with some unresolved feelings and two people who clearly still have unfinished business and i'm already invested.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
what i loved was THE COZY ATMOSPHERE.
this book feels like September in the best way, it's warm without being overly sweet, comforting without feeling boring and it captures that bittersweet feeling of seasons changing and life moving forward really well.
i could practically picture the changing leaves, local cafés and quiet streets while reading.
i also really enjoyed the romance.
it's the kind of relationship that builds on shared history instead of instant attraction, and i always appreciate romances where the characters actually have to work through their past before they can move forward.
there's plenty of longing, awkward moments and conversations that probably should've happened years ago...which made everything feel a little more real.
the emotional side of the story was probably my favorite part, it's about more than just falling in love, it's also about figuring out where you belong, learning to let go of old expectations and realizing that sometimes going back home doesn't mean you're moving backwards.
those quieter moments ended up being the ones that stuck with me the most.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
BUT...
okay, this is definitely more of a cozy, character-driven romance than a fast-paced one.
so if you're looking for huge twists or constant drama, this probably won't be the book for you.
the pacing slows down in the middle and while i didn't mind spending time with the characters, there were a few moments where i wished the story moved forward a little quicker. i also would've liked a bit more emotional tension before everything started falling into place.
the romance is sweet, but i wanted just a little more angst to really make the payoff hit.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
overall this was exactly the kind of book i like picking up when i want something comforting, it's heartfelt, cozy, and full of characters who are simply trying to figure out what comes next.
sometimes that's all i need.
so if you like small-town romances, second chances, some cozy autumn vibes with character-driven stories and romances with plenty of heart...i think you'll really enjoy this one.
My final thoughts;
i came for the September vibes...
i stayed because apparently i'm incapable of resisting a cozy small-town romance with unresolved feelings. 🍂🤎📖
Thank You to NetGalley for providing me an ARC!
August 25, 2026
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2026/08/24/4-...
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
Something About September by Julia McKay starts with a diary entry from 2014 when Rebecca was a senior in high school. Fast forward twelve years to the present, and we catch up with her again.
Rebecca is currently a lecturer in the literature department at a university in Toronto, and books are front and center, but she doesn’t seem all that enamored of her life.
When she has to return to her small hometown for personal reasons, she expects to return home in a month. There, her path crosses with many of the townspeople, but especially her best friend Sabrina and Cort, whom she tutored in high school so he could play football, and he’s also the reason she stayed away for a year.
Crispin is the chair of the Business Improvement Association and the reason she had to return since she was told she has thirty days to take care of the property or incur more fines since mowing and landscaping don’t seem to be enough. Rebecca moves into the apartment above her late grannie’s diner, which has been closed and is now her responsibility, and it’s causing chaos in more ways than one, since Cort is still the only contractor in town. She plans to renovate and sell the diner, but will she?
There are a lot of memories being shared throughout the town of her life in Bramley Hollow. Many she had forgotten about. There’s also a lot of gossiping, and she learns more about her mom, who passed away just after she was born. The memories and words of wisdom Rebecca reminisced about her grannie were heartwarming.
There are vivid descriptions of the small town, the businesses, the autumn festival and its activities. Vibrant and colorful language is used to describe the scenery. You can feel the fall in the air as all the senses are engaged. The story flows nicely, with secrets, surprises, and, finally, romance between Rebecca and Cort, especially after she makes some life changes. There is some closure in the epilogue, which takes place a year later, with new dreams coming to life, but I wish it went on a little further, since there’s definitely one loose end.
Something About September is a sweet contemporary romance that skirted around the romance for most of the story. But when it finally came to fruition, it was very satisfying.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
https://novelsalive.com/2026/08/24/4-...
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
Something About September by Julia McKay starts with a diary entry from 2014 when Rebecca was a senior in high school. Fast forward twelve years to the present, and we catch up with her again.
Rebecca is currently a lecturer in the literature department at a university in Toronto, and books are front and center, but she doesn’t seem all that enamored of her life.
When she has to return to her small hometown for personal reasons, she expects to return home in a month. There, her path crosses with many of the townspeople, but especially her best friend Sabrina and Cort, whom she tutored in high school so he could play football, and he’s also the reason she stayed away for a year.
Crispin is the chair of the Business Improvement Association and the reason she had to return since she was told she has thirty days to take care of the property or incur more fines since mowing and landscaping don’t seem to be enough. Rebecca moves into the apartment above her late grannie’s diner, which has been closed and is now her responsibility, and it’s causing chaos in more ways than one, since Cort is still the only contractor in town. She plans to renovate and sell the diner, but will she?
There are a lot of memories being shared throughout the town of her life in Bramley Hollow. Many she had forgotten about. There’s also a lot of gossiping, and she learns more about her mom, who passed away just after she was born. The memories and words of wisdom Rebecca reminisced about her grannie were heartwarming.
There are vivid descriptions of the small town, the businesses, the autumn festival and its activities. Vibrant and colorful language is used to describe the scenery. You can feel the fall in the air as all the senses are engaged. The story flows nicely, with secrets, surprises, and, finally, romance between Rebecca and Cort, especially after she makes some life changes. There is some closure in the epilogue, which takes place a year later, with new dreams coming to life, but I wish it went on a little further, since there’s definitely one loose end.
Something About September is a sweet contemporary romance that skirted around the romance for most of the story. But when it finally came to fruition, it was very satisfying.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a lovely read, perfect for the introduction of fall . The small town and cozy vibes were on point . But before I begin I must say that I was a little bored the first 60% of the book . I love me a slow burn, but sometimes the slow gets to be too much and that was the case with this book in particular . Once Rebecca and Cort kissed everything started moving and I couldn’t stop reading, it compensated for what was missing at first .
I know this is a romance book, but I think sometimes best friends can be soulmates too . For me, the main character in this book was Rebecca and Sabrina’s relationship . What a loyal, honest, supporting friend . And don’t even get me started about her family . How Sabrina’s mom and dad tackled the conversation about Rebecca’s mom, MAGNIFICENT .
I admire Cort’s carefulness and gentleness towards her . His maturity . He wanted her since forever, but he wanted to do it right . He didn’t take advantage of her when she threw herself at him, he knew she was vulnerable and he wanted to be a friend because he knew that’s what she needed . Also, he loved her so much he let her go . He wanted the best for her, he wanted for her to achieve her dreams and he didn’t want to be an obstacle . I wish the book gave more depth about him, because I think his character had more potential than being a divorced single parent .
I appreciate Melanie’s apology and honesty . It ended the drama and showed Rebecca that things could be good and simple . I also think that Melanie being “ok” with Rebecca and Cort being together helped Cort realize he made a mistake and was haste when ending things with Rebecca .
REBECCA’S MOM LETTER . I sobbed . So unexpected and yet so needed . So necessary . Every sentence, every word gave Rebecca direction when she felt lost . When she said: “The line that save me: Go meet your life”. And how Rebecca kept writing to her even after a year, and burying the letters under the apple tree . Such a sweet, sentimental and emotional detail .
I must admit I was captivated at the end and surprised by the beautiful ending .
3.75 ✨
I know this is a romance book, but I think sometimes best friends can be soulmates too . For me, the main character in this book was Rebecca and Sabrina’s relationship . What a loyal, honest, supporting friend . And don’t even get me started about her family . How Sabrina’s mom and dad tackled the conversation about Rebecca’s mom, MAGNIFICENT .
I admire Cort’s carefulness and gentleness towards her . His maturity . He wanted her since forever, but he wanted to do it right . He didn’t take advantage of her when she threw herself at him, he knew she was vulnerable and he wanted to be a friend because he knew that’s what she needed . Also, he loved her so much he let her go . He wanted the best for her, he wanted for her to achieve her dreams and he didn’t want to be an obstacle . I wish the book gave more depth about him, because I think his character had more potential than being a divorced single parent .
I appreciate Melanie’s apology and honesty . It ended the drama and showed Rebecca that things could be good and simple . I also think that Melanie being “ok” with Rebecca and Cort being together helped Cort realize he made a mistake and was haste when ending things with Rebecca .
REBECCA’S MOM LETTER . I sobbed . So unexpected and yet so needed . So necessary . Every sentence, every word gave Rebecca direction when she felt lost . When she said: “The line that save me: Go meet your life”. And how Rebecca kept writing to her even after a year, and burying the letters under the apple tree . Such a sweet, sentimental and emotional detail .
I must admit I was captivated at the end and surprised by the beautiful ending .
3.75 ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the coziest cozy autumn setting. It felt like having a cup of coffee, on a crisp morning, in the forest, looking out on the changing landscape. It felt like a fireplace and a good book. The way McKay set us in this world, it really felt like I was there. I have an immediate urge to vacation in Brambly Hollow and walk the hay maze and drink too much apple wine.
But the romance was a hit or miss situation. It felt so rushed to me. Rebecca and Cort have this connection from high school, and it is being rekindled by proximity, but I was left unsatisfied because we didn’t get enough of the yearning and instead, we get Rebecca’s neurotic over-thinking and misunderstanding. She is a repetitive queen and worries about things she would be able to understand if she just talked about it with any of the relevant characters. Anytime she was feeling anything about Cort, McKay just calls it the “Cort effect” and girl, I need to image this man in slow motion, take the time to spell it out for me.
Miscommunication goes hard, because Cort also doesn’t just flat out tell Rebecca anything about anything and I hated that. So both knuckleheads spend the first half of the book just dancing around each other, with nervous energy, but not longing, on the page. That was a miss for me. Then, when they finally got together, it felt rushed and overdone. Plus, that third act breakup made no sense. I understand wanting to have a conversation about details…but not just breaking up and “let’s be friends” instead of just talking.
All that to say, it was a warm and cozy book that I enjoyed, but the love affair was lackluster. It had moments of wonder but didn’t land all the way. If you are a romance girly, pick it up.
I will say, special shout out to Rebecca’s best friend Sabrina. Give me more of her. And sign me up for a trip to the Blackbird & Brambly café for some pie and a good book, that was the real star of the book.
3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
But the romance was a hit or miss situation. It felt so rushed to me. Rebecca and Cort have this connection from high school, and it is being rekindled by proximity, but I was left unsatisfied because we didn’t get enough of the yearning and instead, we get Rebecca’s neurotic over-thinking and misunderstanding. She is a repetitive queen and worries about things she would be able to understand if she just talked about it with any of the relevant characters. Anytime she was feeling anything about Cort, McKay just calls it the “Cort effect” and girl, I need to image this man in slow motion, take the time to spell it out for me.
Miscommunication goes hard, because Cort also doesn’t just flat out tell Rebecca anything about anything and I hated that. So both knuckleheads spend the first half of the book just dancing around each other, with nervous energy, but not longing, on the page. That was a miss for me. Then, when they finally got together, it felt rushed and overdone. Plus, that third act breakup made no sense. I understand wanting to have a conversation about details…but not just breaking up and “let’s be friends” instead of just talking.
All that to say, it was a warm and cozy book that I enjoyed, but the love affair was lackluster. It had moments of wonder but didn’t land all the way. If you are a romance girly, pick it up.
I will say, special shout out to Rebecca’s best friend Sabrina. Give me more of her. And sign me up for a trip to the Blackbird & Brambly café for some pie and a good book, that was the real star of the book.
3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REVIEW: Something About September by Julia McKay
Give me crisp fall mornings, pumpkin spice, a cozy small town, and a second-chance romance, and I am THERE.
Something to Talk About gave me all the warm, nostalgic fall vibes I was craving.
Rebecca Macintosh has always loved September, but this September looks a little different. After inheriting her grandmother’s diner, she has just 30 days to return home and fix it up. Sounds manageable…until she discovers the only contractor available is Cort Adams her former high school crush and the man who rejected her a year ago.
And Cort? Well…he’s now a single dad, and somehow even more attractive than Rebecca remembers. Sir, that was unnecessary.
I really enjoyed watching Rebecca return to Bramley Hollow and slowly begin to see her hometown, and Cort in a completely different way. There’s something so comforting about a story where the main character thinks she knows exactly what she wants from life, only to realize that maybe the dream she’s been chasing isn’t the one that will actually make her happy.
Rebecca and Cort’s history added that perfect little layer of tension. There are old feelings, misunderstandings, attraction that definitely hasn’t disappeared, and that delicious “maybe we’re not finished after all” energy.
But what really made this book work for me was the atmosphere. Bramley Hollow felt like the kind of place where I wanted to throw on an oversized sweater, order an apple cider, wander through the falling leaves, and then stop at the diner for pie.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
🍁 Small-Town Romance
🤎 Second Chance
🏈 Former High School Crush
🔨 Contractor Romance
👨👧 Single Dad
🏡 Returning Home
☕ Cozy Fall Vibes
🔥 Old Feelings + New Sparks
🥧 Family Legacy
💛 Finding Where You Belong
If you love romances that feel like a Hallmark fall movie with a little extra heat and a whole lot of heart, add Something About September to your autumn TBR.
Because apparently sweater weather really is better together.
Give me crisp fall mornings, pumpkin spice, a cozy small town, and a second-chance romance, and I am THERE.
Something to Talk About gave me all the warm, nostalgic fall vibes I was craving.
Rebecca Macintosh has always loved September, but this September looks a little different. After inheriting her grandmother’s diner, she has just 30 days to return home and fix it up. Sounds manageable…until she discovers the only contractor available is Cort Adams her former high school crush and the man who rejected her a year ago.
And Cort? Well…he’s now a single dad, and somehow even more attractive than Rebecca remembers. Sir, that was unnecessary.
I really enjoyed watching Rebecca return to Bramley Hollow and slowly begin to see her hometown, and Cort in a completely different way. There’s something so comforting about a story where the main character thinks she knows exactly what she wants from life, only to realize that maybe the dream she’s been chasing isn’t the one that will actually make her happy.
Rebecca and Cort’s history added that perfect little layer of tension. There are old feelings, misunderstandings, attraction that definitely hasn’t disappeared, and that delicious “maybe we’re not finished after all” energy.
But what really made this book work for me was the atmosphere. Bramley Hollow felt like the kind of place where I wanted to throw on an oversized sweater, order an apple cider, wander through the falling leaves, and then stop at the diner for pie.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
🍁 Small-Town Romance
🤎 Second Chance
🏈 Former High School Crush
🔨 Contractor Romance
👨👧 Single Dad
🏡 Returning Home
☕ Cozy Fall Vibes
🔥 Old Feelings + New Sparks
🥧 Family Legacy
💛 Finding Where You Belong
If you love romances that feel like a Hallmark fall movie with a little extra heat and a whole lot of heart, add Something About September to your autumn TBR.
Because apparently sweater weather really is better together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in fictional small town Bramley Hollow in Eastern Canada, adjunct lit professor Rebecca Macintosh is back home a year after her grandma has passed away to fix up and sell the family business. The former diner has been empty for years, but Rebecca is forced by the small town business association president to no longer hold off. And there is really only one contractor who can do the job: Cort Adam. Cort was the high school football star that she once tutored. She always felt like there could be something more between them, but nothing had ever happened. Until one year prior, when he rejected her kiss. Now forced to work together on the renovation, Rebecca would rather forget it ever happened. But Cort may have other plans. Can they finally find a way to be together?
For me, this just didn't land. The characters acknowledge that they revert back to their high school selves easily when they see others from that part of their lives, and it felt like they were teenagers at times. And the side plot of who her father was had me stressed. I just wanted her to communicate! Which to be fair, others were telling her the same thing. I had also hoped for more about her being a professor, but that isn't the focus here. Overall, this was a quick read with cozy fall vibes that may work better for others.
Also, based on the description, I believe this is set in Ontario, though I didn't see that confirmed. It is within driving distance of Toronto and is somewhat near Montreal. It also isn't west (as someone is mentioned as living "out west").
This romance features:
🍂 Small town in the fall
🍁 Fall festival
🍂 Apples!
🍁 A little academia
🍂 A giant pumpkin that needs a sleepover
Open door / gently spicy (not a lot of detailed language)
2.75 / 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!
For me, this just didn't land. The characters acknowledge that they revert back to their high school selves easily when they see others from that part of their lives, and it felt like they were teenagers at times. And the side plot of who her father was had me stressed. I just wanted her to communicate! Which to be fair, others were telling her the same thing. I had also hoped for more about her being a professor, but that isn't the focus here. Overall, this was a quick read with cozy fall vibes that may work better for others.
Also, based on the description, I believe this is set in Ontario, though I didn't see that confirmed. It is within driving distance of Toronto and is somewhat near Montreal. It also isn't west (as someone is mentioned as living "out west").
This romance features:
🍂 Small town in the fall
🍁 Fall festival
🍂 Apples!
🍁 A little academia
🍂 A giant pumpkin that needs a sleepover
Open door / gently spicy (not a lot of detailed language)
2.75 / 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC!
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