EDITOR’S CHOICE
A charming, heartwarming tale filled with witty banter, lovable characters, small-town charm, and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance. Truly delightful!
Carolyn Brown’s Meet Me in the Orchard is a delightful dive into the lives of feisty, headstrong characters set against the charming backdrop of small-town Texas. This first instalment in The Paradise series strikes the perfect balance between heartfelt romance and sibling chaos, peppered with Southern wit that will make you chuckle and tear up in equal measure.
At the heart of the novel is the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Brodie Carter and Audrey Ross. Brodie’s arrival in Spanish Fort turns his life upside down as he navigates the shock of discovering seven half-sisters, a meddlesome great aunt who’s keen on matchmaking, and a turf war with Audrey, the fiery orchard owner next door. Their banter is sharp, often hilarious, and brimming with undeniable chemistry. Though at odds on nearly everything—Audrey insists Brodie should sell his property while he stubbornly clings to it—they find themselves forced to reconsider their disdain after a natural disaster uproots their routines. The evolving tension between them is swoon-worthy, with Brown masterfully building the emotional connection at a believable pace.
The surrounding cast is equally vibrant. Aunt Bernie, in particular, steals the spotlight with her antics and good-hearted meddling. The close-knit nature of Brodie’s reluctant new family adds depth, making the novel as much about familial bonds and rebuilding trust as it is about romance.
With its clever dialogue, heartfelt moments, and an optimistic thread of redemption, Meet Me in the Orchard is a perfect escape for anyone who enjoys small-town romances with equal parts humour and heart. Fans of Carolyn Brown will not be disappointed.
