Something About September: A Cozy Fall Romance

by Julia McKay

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?

Genres: Romance, Cozy, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME💗💗!!!!!!!!


🍂˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚☕️Buddy reading with my prettiest girl Cat💘👯 🍂˚ ༘ ೀ⋆｡˚☕️!!!!!!!!!

[cat (catching up slowly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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)… yeah, 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.🧍🏼‍♀️
Yeah… 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 💗🫶🏼

[BookishKB]

🍂🥧 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.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Portia Citlali · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kate Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jess (lucky.bookclub) Hilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 📚

[Savannah Mattair · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Ashleigh Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.
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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.
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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!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[SJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Elia Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming, beautiful and cozy fall read. While there was not major character development, the story was very enjoyable and light while also being very sweet.

Rebecca coming back to her childhood home in Bramley Hollow after losing her grandma, really the only family she has left, was so bittersweet.
Add on that the one person that could help her with her grandma's old diner was Cort, her teenage crush who also turned her down a year ago. It was pretty funny how Rebecca tried so hard to find someone other than Cort to help but in the end, he was the one! I appreciated some of the flashbacks to see both how they met and formed a friendship in high school to what happened a year ago when Cort turned her down.

I could feel the chemistry between Rebecca and Cort and I wish they had more communication about the past earlier but I am happy they finally talked about it and came to an understanding on their past. It helped actually clean the slate so they could move forward with a romance.I loved Cort's son Pip and their relationship and I also appreciated Melanie and Heather, while they did things I didn't love, by the end they were self aware and were trying to be better.

I loved Sabrina and her family and how they supported Rebecca. Even though Rebecca lost her blood family, she still had her found family in Bramley Hollow and they would do anything for her.

The letter Rebecca found, no spoilers, made me cry and I felt so much joy and happiness for her in that moment. I also love that it was the push she needed to live her life and follow her dream! Ending with a letter in a similar way was also perfect.

Such a fun and heartwarming story that is a quick read and perfect for the fall!

*Thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and Julia McKay for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something About September by Julia McKay

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A cozy and sweet fall romance, Something About September is charming, heartwarming, and so cute! The small town fall vibes are absolutely perfect, the dynamics between the main characters are delightful, and the storyline is great! A fast-paced and fun read!

Rebecca Macintosh has only thirty days to return to her hometown and fix up her grandmother’s diner or she will face the consequences. The only contractor in town is Cort Adams, the man who rejected her. He used to be the high school football star she once tutored and she wanted to avoid him forever. Rebecca soon begins to discover that there’s more to her hometown, and to Cort, than she’d initially thought. She also begins wondering whether the dreams she had been chasing might not actually be what she truly wants.

Something About September is such a wonderful read that’s full of warmth and heart! The sweet romance, the descriptive writing, and the small town setting all make this such a fantastic book for fall! Rebecca and Cort’s relationship, the supporting characters, and the pacing are also great. Overall, a sweet, heartfelt, and cozy read!

[Summer Hensley (TheStoryNookBook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something About September by Julia McKay

4 stars

Rated: R

Skip the Spice: Skip chapter 26

A little Gilmore Girls mixed with The Pumpkin Spice Café, and you've got this gem.
I absolutely loved the cozy small-town setting, complete with an apple orchard and a town that fully embraces autumn with over-the-top seasonal decorations. Even Crispin reminded me of Taylor Doose, complete with his endless rules and very specific opinions about exactly how many pumpkins should decorate each storefront—and in which colors.

This story is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, charming small-town gossip, and all the cozy fall vibes. I'm always a sucker for a friends-to-lovers romance, and this one delivered while still managing to surprise me a few times along the way.

I sincerely hope there are more books planned for this town because I wasn't ready to leave. It captures everything I love about fall: crisp air, apple cider, apple spice donuts, and a community that feels like home.

There is one spicy chapter (Chapter 26), but it's easy to skip without missing any important plot points.

If you love all things autumn and cozy small-town romances, add this one to your TBR.

Release Date: August 18, 2026

[Stacey Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to love this book, but it fell short for me.

There are a lot of little errors. For example, in one scene Rebecca grabs a bottle of apple wine, but when they go to pour it, suddenly they’re porting a Pinot. Cory said he and Pip got a sour dough starter a year ago, and shared bread with Rebecca’s grandmother who died a year ago. I suppose it’s possible they were able to gift her bread before she died, but it seems unlikely. Another example, the entire book they talk about the hay maze, then at the end they call it a corn maze. Throughout the majority of the book, Cripin’s wife’s name is spelled Nasreen, but in the last chapter it’s Nazreen. None of these are major, but they add up and pulled me out of the story a bit. This. Ok really should go through another round of edits before it publishes.

My biggest issue with this book though, is that the entire story exists because two grown adults can’t actually talk to each other about what they’re feeling. I’m not automatically against a miscommunication trope if it makes sense and is part of a larger plot line. Unfortunately, it’s this book’s entire plot line.

Honestly, Sabrina and PiP, two side characters were the stars of this book for me.

[Rebekah Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for a free a-copy of this book!

✨This felt like an autumn hallmark movie wrapped up as a sweet and cozy romance! And while the relationship between Rebecca and Cort was great, the book was so much more than them— it showcased strong friendships, complicated family dynamics, grief, and choosing what you love over choosing the safe option. I really enjoyed the strong friendship Rebecca and Sabrina had in this. A lot of times friendships/ secondary characters just disappear from the narrative once the love interest is involved, but not in this one! Sabrina played a vital role in the story and I liked how present she was.
✨The writing was clear, if a little reparative at times (not enough to impact my enjoyment of the story). The setting for the story perfectly (and for some reason I just feel like this is a story that could take place if fall 2016?? Idk it just vibes that way).

I don’t love third-act breakups, but the lead up to this one felt more justified than others I’ve read

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5⭐️, rounded up to 4⭐️**

This was such a cozy, comforting read. I loved the *Stars Hollow*-esque atmosphere, the friendship between Rebecca and Sabrina, and, of course, Cort (no further explanation needed).

The third-act breakup was probably my biggest frustration. By that point, Rebecca clearly knew she didn't want to leave, so I found it difficult to understand why she never communicated that to Cort. It felt like a conflict that could have been resolved with a simple conversation.

I also would have loved to see Lenore's impact on Rebecca woven more consistently throughout the story. While Evie's letter was absolutely beautiful and emotional, I think the story would have been even stronger if that relationship had played a larger role from beginning to end.

Overall, this is a delightful fall romance that's perfect for the season. If you're looking for a cozy read filled with small-town charm and every autumn vibe imaginable, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Kelsey Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something About September 🍂🍁

This was a perfectly cozy fall small town romance. I got all of the cozy fall vibes and it really made me envious of people who get to enjoy small town festivals every year.

My Thoughts: Rebecca and Cort were absolutely adorable. There second chance romance gave me all of the feels. I loved how maturely they handled every situation and they both had great communication. Looking into Rebecca’s past and her reflections about her grandmother and mother were sweet, and I loved how she honored both of them. The side characters aka the town gossips were fun, and I especially loved Rebecca’s BFF Sabrina though she was not one of the gossips. She was the best hype woman ever!

Overall a perfect cozy fall read for the upcoming season.

Marissa Stapley aka Julia McKay aka Maggie Knox, whatever pen name you write under I will read it!!

[Jessica Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book buy this author and man I was not disappointed. While I normally don't read third person pov I feel Julia did it well.

I feel this book gives early 2000's small town vibes, you know the time when all of our favorite tv shows are based out of and when everything was simple, and I loved everything about it.

I love a MMC who supports and encourages his love interest to grow and shine into the person who she needs to be. You get tons of pinning and a relationship that grows naturally and genially without all the drama. Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be reading the rest of Julia's books.

If you love small towns, found family, and second chances this book id perfect for you.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let’s start with what I liked:

The small town fall vibes were truly immaculate. I could almost feel the autumn chill and smell the crisp apple tress while reading. It all felt very cozy.

I also enjoyed the side characters and the side plot points!

Now what I didn’t like:

Our main character fell incredibly flat to me, I couldn’t connect with her at all.

The romance also just was not interesting or believable at all. There was no lead up or chemistry whatsoever. All the build up was supposed to have happened off page before the story even began and then as the reader you’re just supposed to go along with it. It was very cliché and, unfortunately, not in a fun way that romances can be at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for giving me an arc for review!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance with all the fall things - pumpkins, apple orchards, lost loves and fall festivals. It will have you craving fall and cooler temps.
I enjoyed this book and it was easy to read, Cort is dreamy and kind, patient, coming from a broken marriage but making it work in the best way for his son. Rebecca is grieving, stubborn and very unsure of herself - classic high school academic over-achiever. The book is so well written you will have a hard time putting it down, even though it is predictable, it's still a very enjoyable read. There is a little spice, but only one scene has a few details and the rest is fade to black.
Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy!

[jiitter.bug24reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something About September 🍁
Julia McKay

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This is a cute cozy read. Lots of banter and romance.
Our FMC has 30 days to renovate her grandmother's old diner or lose it. Then our MMC comes in, he's the only contractor but he's also her old crush.

The way the sparks flew was fun and so bingeable. The cover is absolutely adorable and so was this novel. I would recommend this as a palette cleanser or just for the fall vibes, grab a pumpkin spice latte and cozy up. I read it in one sitting.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so boring.

First it was about her Grandma, then Cort, then her grandma, then Cort, then the diner, then Cort, then her dreams, then Cort, then Melanie and Heather and high school drama, then Cort, then the Autumn Festival and can’t forever Crispin (what even are these names?), then Cort again, then who her biological father is, then Sabrina and her problems, then Cort……. The cycle repeats. It was boring and so unfocused.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something About September is basically a Hallmark movie in book form. It has the woman who is back in the small town she moved away from years ago, and her life is at a crossroads. Of course, she has to work with the guy she tutored in high school. It was a sweet book. I loved the small town, and the characters were all pretty likable. I wouldn’t say this book was groundbreaking or anything, but it’s a really good palate cleanser book. I had a good time reading it and would rate it a solid 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for this ARC!

[Melissa Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun seasonal (fall) romance. It felt very low steaks and predictable but I still enjoyed the story of Rebecca figuring out what she wants in her life. Finding her self and grabbing for her dreams. I would have liked to see some flaws in Court, the MMC, as he came off absolutely perfect in every way. I liked Sabrina but hoped to see Rebecca being more of a friend to her. It felt like a very one sided relationship with Sabrina carrying most of the weight.

Fans of B.K. Borrison and Jessica Joyce will enjoy this one though it did feel a little more upper YA rather than adult.

[Hailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok, I will say the story kinda jumped around a lot and the plot kept changing then the ending kinda jumbled it all together, the beginning felt very drawn out and the whole ending was rushed. The miscommunication in this book was basically the whole story… I really only liked the side characters, and the miss spelling and story not being consistent made this a tough read. It wasn’t awful by any means but I would hope some improvements could be made before publishing.

Thank you NetGalley, Putnam, and Julia McKay for the eARC.

[Dawn H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric and as sweet as freshly pressed apple cider, this is a perfect sweater weather read. I’m a sucker for small town romances and this one is adorable. It’s cozy in the best possible way. A friends to lovers romance with a great cast of characters including a very sweet little boy and a giant pumpkin. I loved the friendship between Sabrina and Rebecca and hope the author writes a romance for Sabrina. I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for the eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.