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Reviewed by Candace Valek for Readers' Favorite
Pumpkins and Pretending by Kiri Patterson is a charming small-town romantic comedy filled with fall traditions, family struggles, and a little bit of pretending. Leah Miller's life takes an unexpected turn when an injury changes her future, bringing her back to her family's struggling farm. Determined to help save it, Leah finds herself entering into a fake relationship with Sam Carter, a mechanic with a big heart and feelings for Leah that go back years. What starts as a plan to bring attention to the farm slowly becomes something neither of them expected. Between the rivalry of neighboring towns, the colorful characters, and the challenges both Leah and Sam face, the story offers more than just romance.
What I enjoyed most about Pumpkins and Pretending by Kiri Patterson was that the characters had real struggles outside their relationship. I especially liked Sam's caring nature and the way he supported his mother while also trying to find his own place in the world. Leah's connection to her grandmother and the farm added an emotional side that made me care about what happened to her family. The humor and autumn atmosphere brought a lighter touch to some of the more serious moments. I did find myself getting a little frustrated with Sam and Leah at times. Some of their misunderstandings created great romantic tension, while others had me thinking, "Here we go again." However, I enjoyed watching these characters grow and appreciated that not everything worked out exactly as they had planned. For me, this was a solid read with plenty of heart, humor, and romance.
