Candy Apple Kisses: A cozy, low-spice fall romance

By Amy Clipston

"Amy Clipston delivers swoon-worthy romance." --Lee Tobin McClain, NYT bestselling author "Amy Clipston writes with warmth and heart." --RaeAnne Thayne, NYT bestselling author This autumn, love is in the air. Artist Emily Carmichael has always considered Splendid Lake her home, but she never imagined she would ever return. However, when she learns her childhood best friend, Jake Hughes, is struggling to save the beloved Hughes Family Orchard, she doesn't hesitate to pack her bags and head back to the North Carolina mountains--even if it means battling a corporate giant and resisting the temptation of too many candy apples. For Jake, the orchard is more than just a business; it's a living legacy, a bond with his father and a promise to his family. As Jake and Emily work side-by-side to prepare for the orchard's centennial anniversary, long-held feelings, once hidden beneath years of friendship, begin to surface. For Jake, Emily's return illuminates what's been missing in his life, and for Emily, being with Jake stirs long-dormant emotions she's too scared to name. The air is crisp, the apples are sweet, and the sparks? They're flying higher than a bonfire. But with Jake's ex-girlfriend's dramatic reappearance and the mounting pressure to keep the orchard from failing, their budding romance is put to the test. Can these two best friends turn a season of chaos into a lifetime of love, or will their romance fall flat before the first frost? "Clipston's heartfelt writing and engaging characters make her a fan favorite." --Library Journal First-run copies of this print edition come with an exclusive scratch and sniff apple-scented sticker--a little extra sweetness for the readers who were here from the beginning. Because some stories are meant to be felt with all your senses. Cozy up. Scratch. Sniff. Swoon.

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Published Jul 7, 2026

320 pages

Average rating: 8

1 RATING

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Community Reviews

OldSoulBookish
OldSoulBookish
8/10 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Clipston, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the advanced listening copy of this audiobook.

Candy Apple Kisses was such a cozy listen! It reminded me of a Hallmark movie from beginning to end. The small town setting, fall atmosphere, and sweet romance made it an enjoyable escape. It was light, comforting, and an easy listen while having a relaxed day at home or while running errands.

If you’re looking for a feel good romance with cozy autumn vibes, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a listen.

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