I am thrilled to share my review today ~ thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing.
Follow my fellow bloggers on the tour ⤵
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Hartstone Romance #1
Setting ~ not sure
Publication date ~ November 3, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 183 (19 chapters +e)
POV ~ dual 3rd + one chapter from a friend
Featuring ~ small town, second chance, miscommunication, no steamage
Amazon ~ https://amzn.to/4hfCY4t
Diana & Alex
Diana never planned to return to Hartstone after fleeing one day and not telling anyone why. But now her Aunt needs her help at the family orchard, so she reluctantly returns. Not only will she be helping with the day to day operations, but she’ll be trying to save it from being bought out and redeveloped.
Alex had no clue why the love of his life, Diana, up and left him one day. One minute he was planning to propose and the next Diana is breaking up with him without a reason. He’s still heartbroken a year later and now that she’s back in town he hopes he can get an answer as to what went wrong.
The Apple Butter Festival seemed like quite an exciting and fun event. I really liked the small town vibe and how the townsfolk didn’t want the orchard to be sold. I, especially, like Kiera and her commitment to the orchard. Her and Diane’s friendship was really special, too.
All characters were lovely, well except for one, there’s always one. She was a real pill causing havoc in the past and the present.
There were a few hiccups along the way, including the ole assumption trope, but overall a cute and festive second chance story.
Book blurb:
From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas
A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance
Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.
Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.
Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.
Alex Kelley thought he’d buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.
With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.
If you love:
• Cozy snow-covered small towns
• Second-chance love stories
• Orchard festivals and secret kisses under the stars
• Family, friendship, and a sprinkle of holiday magic
…then curl up with An Apple Butter Christmas, a feel-good romance that will warm your heart like a mug of hot cider on a winter’s night.
Purchase Links
Author Bio – Terry Lynn Thomas is a USA Today best-selling author who writes contemporary legal thrillers and historical mysteries set in World War II. Her debut cozy Christmas romance, Apple Butter Christmas, will release in November of 2025. Her stories are known for their strong female protagonists and the emotional connection between her characters.
When she isn’t writing, Terry Lynn likes to watch British mysteries, read books about found family and friendship, paint, garden, and take long walks with her husband and dogs.
Social Media Links –(1) Facebook
Great review and yes, you’re right, there’s always one character 😂😂😂
Always!! 😂