How to Fall for a Cowboy: An All-Pumpkin, No-Spice Christian Romcom

by Cassandra Joelle

She's Glossy Nails. He's Flakey Crust. The Pact? Half-Baked.
In the town of Maple Haven, Wyoming, Autumn isn't just a season- it's a celebration. Ginger Hart is spending the season like she has for the past hopelessly crushing on Dallas, the gym bro who communicates in motivational quotes. In her quest for his attention, Ginger’s lost more than a few pounds- maybe, a bit of herself. As the town gears up for the annual Pumpkin Stampede, something (or rather someone) rolls into town in a pumpkin-themed dessert truck parked right outside Ginger’s salon. Behind the counter? Ex bull-rider Tucker Callahan. He’s all cowboy hat and delicious sweets- basically everything Ginger’s been trying to resist. When they decide to fake date for his image and for her to get Dallas' attention, he proposes one sugary-sweet condition. As cozy sparks fly, Ginger begins to wonder if God’s sweetest plans aren’t always the ones we bake up ourselves.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Christian Romance, Book Club, Contemporary

247 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2025

Reviews

[Lillian B (Kaladin Stormblessed version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a free ARC of this book from the author!!

This was sooo good!! I loved the Christian content and how the characters pray and turn to God for everything!!
Ginger did kind of annoy me at first--she was somewhat self-centered and overly worried about how she looked--but I love how she worked through that and changed throughout the book!!
I didn't like Dallas from the start....
But Tucker was great!! And the part where he tells her that she's made in God's image is so sweet!!

I enjoyed this, and it was really fun!! I'd recommend it if you like fall-themed, Christian rom-coms!!

[ChildOfGod💜🙌🏽 (for God I live and for God I die) ~ in my Christian pop era · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!!! I’m so happy I finished this but at the same time I’m so sad it’s over. Literally every time I picked up this book I had a smile on my face. Oh my I will miss Tucker and Ginger so much!

I recommend this book if you’re looking for a clean book with an autumn setting, lots of pumpkin flavored everything, fun small town cuteness, nail salons, Christian content, dating to marry and so much more! This will definitely be one of my favorite reads of the season.

I may make a more detailed review but as for now, I loved it and I’m sure you will too!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own*

[Lilian♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

💅🐎🍂📖👢🍽🥧🍁😋👩‍🍳☕️🎃

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review🥰

First off, I loved our main characters, Tucker and Ginger!!

Tucker was such a sweet heart, and I loved how he was a baker and ex bronc rider!!

I related to Ginger in her body image issues, eating problems, and excessive exercise. I've been working on all of that, too❤️

I thought the fall vibes of this book were immaculate! I felt like I was in this small town, eating some of Tucker's pie and coffee, and getting my nails done by Ginger all while watching the rodeo💞

The Christian aspect of this book was great! We need more Christian books!!

A moment of silence for this cover.


Wow, it's gorgeous.


Read. This. Book. I swear you won't regret it!

Thanks again to the author for the ARC🥰

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc!!

[Sam (The Favorites Shelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review/4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

I've discovered a new favorite fall book! Everything (setting, plot, food, outfits...) says autumn in the best way, and I found myself longing to curl up with a cozy sweater and eat pie like the characters (which I did actually do at least once). Also, I loved the rodeo scenes and cowboy/ranch aesthetic. So, so good!

The characters in this story are great too! Ginger is the only character with a POV, but Tucker's personality shines through just as well as Ginger's. He's very sweet (in more ways than one because he's also a baker), and his relationship with Ginger fits SO well. They do get into a fake dating situation, which isn't a trope I always enjoy, but I liked how it's written in this book. The characters grow a lot in their desire to follow/trust God. And Ginger's friend group is so supportive in helping her move forward in a good way.

And that brings me to my next topic: faith content! Not only is it present in the romance plot, but Ginger also has some personal struggles she's trying to overcome. There are some great discussions, especially about body image, that I think could have a really good impact on the right audience.

Mostly, though, this is a fun, sweet book with touches of humor that made me smile. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy read, and I definitely see myself reading it again in future autumn seasons!

*Content to note*
FMC faces body image struggles (undereating/excessive exercise to impress someone). Discussions of married woman flirting with another man (past incident), and character witnesses possibly-married/engaged woman kissing another man.

**Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary e-ARC. All thoughts expressed are my own.**

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the sweetest Christian rom-com with the best cozy fall vibes!
I loved the characters, especially the side characters.!!
I fell in love with them instantly, and it honestly felt like I was part of this small town. I just wanted to be there for everything.😆

Now, tucker? Absolutely the sweetest. I mean, a man who can make the best desserts AND coffee? Sign me up. 😍😂(plus y'all.. he's a country boy😉and in the words of Cassandra Joelle
"Small Town Wisdom
A man in Wranglers is a reminder that God gave us eyes for a reason." 🤪)

Ginger did get a wee bit on my nerves a at first (I wanted to knock some sense into her lol), but I loved watching her journey and how much she grew throughout the story.!
On top of that, the faith content was awesome and blended in nice with the story.❤️

(I received an ARC in the exchange of my honest review)

[Johneice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!!! ⭐️ I picked up this book because of its super cute cover + plot. I enjoyed this book a lot! I loved Ginger and Tucker! Ginger was dealing with a lot of issues (body image, jealousy, etc), and she really grew on me while reading! I didn’t like that she was head over heels for a guy who in fact was not the slightest bit interested in her + was emotionally detached. And with that, it resulted in her doing things to impress a man that wasn’t the healthiest. Yet, I felt for her! 😭 I would have been okay without the “Ginger’s Polished Thoughts” or the “Small Town Wisdom” moments in this book. I feel that they could have been placed at the end of the chapters. And sometimes, they didn’t make any sense. I LOVED that Ginger owned her own nail salon. That was so different and unique to me!

Tucker, oh the man that you are! A baker and a cowboy in one??! COUNT ME IN. 🤭🥰 I loved his country drawl and how much of a gentleman he was! He liked Ginger for who she was, and in every sense of the word! I would have LOVED to read his POV! I wanted to know why he loved Ginger as much as he did. Other than that, I did enjoy this story and it was fitting to read since I was still in the mood for fall books! 🍁🤠🤎

[Kn.Ranchlifereads_25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest most perfect, fall Rom-Com and was exactly what I needed to get me into the Fall mood,
After A Weather Girls Guide to Love, I didnt know how much better a Rom-Com could get but I was definitely wrong because the only thing that can make a sweet faith-filled Cowboy Rom-Com better is to set it with all the fall vibes!!

From the minute I started this book, I absolutely fell in love with all characters, the side character friendships were amazing, the cozy small town vibes were also amazing and don't even get me started on the perfect MMC-
Another thing I loved was the truth and encouragement throughout this book to all the girls wanting to find their future husband but are in that waiting season trying to be patient on God's plan ❤️

If you've followed my reviews much you know there's 2 things that automatically make me fall in love with a book and 1 is: Godly/Christian Friendships that are weaved throughout the entire story. And 2. When he calls her by any kind of nickname.....and guys.... he calls her *darlin'*(cue the silent screams🤭🤣)
Both of those 2 things were not only present but perfectly weaved through this adorable Rom-Com and I could not Recommend it enough.
So if your looking for a
♡Sweet and Swoony without the Spice
♡The perfect Fall and Cozy vibes
♡A Cowboy Rom-Com
and a
♡ Fun read while still maintaining a strong faith filled theme
This is definitely the book for you and it comes out on September 19th at the perfect time to get lost in those cozy autumn vibes as we enter the new fall season😁😁

[Elizabeth Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the best way to bring in the Fall season! It's one of the most wholesome romance books I've ever read. I didn't want to put it down and couldn't wait for any free time I had so I could read more! The Fall vibes are over the top (in the best way possible!) and had me longing for cozy sweaters, changing leaves, cool weather, and Fall treats! The romance story between the 2 loveable main characters was incredibly sweet and genuine. I absolutely love how the author incorporated the Biblical themes of being made in God's image, finding our worth in the Lord (not in our physical appearance or in what others think of us), trusting God's perfect timing, and desiring God-honoring relationships/romance. This was the 1st book I've read by this author, but I loved it so much that I can't wait to read more of her books!

(I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions and reviews are 100% honest.)

[Katelyn Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book….

🤬Language Rating: 0/5
🌶️Spicy Rating 0/5
📖Plot Rating: 2/5
⭐️Final Rating: 2.25/5 (rounded down)

✨this is a spoiler-free review✨

I had really high hopes for this book, and the concept was cute. A girl who does nails falls in love with a coffee making cowboy? What’s not to love?

However, as a Christian, the mixed messaging in this book really urked me. So here is my rant/review.

I am a huge fan of Christian literature. As someone who is almost done with the first draft of her Christian romance novel, I absolutely love books that reflect love and living for God! However, this book just didn’t have that effect for me.

The main character, Ginger, struggles with body image, and is also hard core crushing on the gym rat/instructor Dallas. As women, we all have at times, struggled with body issues. However, there is a right way to talk about these issues, and a wrong way.

I felt like this book glorified body image and body image issues, and just threw in Christian platitudes to make it ok.

Now, this may seem like an unfair generalization of the book at first, but if we look at Ginger’s character throughout the book, not much changes except the man she is crushing on. She also looks at Tucker’s outward appearance, and while she talks about his character, we don’t see much of it. We hear how sweet he is, and that he goes to church, and he resisted a Joseph-like situation, but his actions in the book are of deception to win a baking contest? I just felt really underwhelmed as a whole. Ginger’s ultimate satisfaction is in relationships, her relationship goals just change throughout the book. I am all for looking at crushes and body image, but let’s do it from a true godly standpoint, which means the heart of the issue. Now, there were still good points scattered throughout the book, but Ginger would say something, then live in the exact opposite way. It just felt lack luster.

Romance wise and plot wise, it also felt underwhelming. There wasn’t much driving narrative other than people eloping?? Which is another topic in and of itself…

I don’t know. I just was expecting more. I don’t know that I would recommend this, and I probably wouldn’t read anything else by this author. If you are looking for a great Christian romance, try Sometimes Love is Worth the Risk. A much better representation of the Christian faith lived out in my opinion.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️Rated 3.5 but rounding to 4 since no half stars on here.⭐️ This was a super cute fall book, the only things I wished were different are the single POV( I wish it was dual) & a few phrases that didn’t flow super well for me while reading (sounded a little awkward in my head when reading). Other than that I really enjoyed this book. It was like a warm fall hug. 🧡

Ginger lives in a small town & though dating is slim pickings, she has had her eye on one of the trainers at her gym for the past year. This has lead her to dieting and exercising to the extreme in hopes of catching his eye. So far her efforts haven’t worked, just left her too skinny & hungry. Then a new baker moves into town ruining her dieting plans for the fall season.

When Tucker Callahan, ex-rodeo star sets up shop right outside Ginger’s nail salon, she is none too happy. How will she stick to her diet with all of his delicious smelling coffee & treats tempting her every minute of the day? The two meet & strike up a deal that could benefit each in their own way. As the two get to know each other better, they begin to wonder if maybe their own plans aren’t what God has in store for them.

I love that this is a Christian romance. Tucker talks about God’s plan for his life, & an accident in his past that caused him to trust God & listen to him. Ginger struggles with self-love & acceptance. In this book she is forced to face some truths about herself & turns to God in prayer to help her. Both characters learn to give up control & put their faith in God. They also show a lot of emotional maturity by working on themselves & turning to God in prayer for help.

This book was such a sweet read & it definitely put me in the mood for all things fall! ♥️🍁🧡🎃☕️🍪

Tropes:

✝️ Faith Themes
🤠Cowboy Turned Baker
💅🏼 Nail Salon Girl Talk
♥️ Fake Dating
🫶🏼 Small Town Vibes

*I received this free ARC in exchange for my honest review*

[Storm Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But the right man? He’s going to want you to eat, to be healthy and strong. He will never want you to be skipping meals or torturing yourself for attention.”

This was such a good read! I love main characters who struggle in a very human way, but ultimately find their worth in Christ. This particular message of finding your self worth in Jesus and not in men is one that is so needed.

Ginger and Tucker are both wonderful characters and I miss them already! If you love faith, Stars Hollow vibes, esthetician MCs, cowboys, and a sloooow burn, I highly recommend How to Fall for a Cowboy!

[Shontel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! I read it in one sitting! Gilmore girls small town autumn festival vibes with a cowboy who bakes fall treats and makes good coffee. What could be better?!? The MMC is a cinnamon roll and the FMC is super relatable! An encouraging, light read that helped during a hard week.

I got this book as an ARC for an honest review. I honestly recommend!!! I will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Makayla Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the cutest pumpkin-packed story that I have had the pleasure of reading, I ended up binging this in one day. This is a Christian, clean romance that delivers such a beautiful message about body positivity in light of a Christian perspective with the most adorable and desirable friends to lovers couple. Strong female friendships are also wonderfully represented with humor and heart. There were times I actually laughed out loud and audibly sighed with contentment as these two main characters slowly realized what's most important in life, in a partner, and in themselves. I enjoyed the fact that I didn't get Tucker's perspective during the story because I was able to wonder right along with Ginger if he really was falling for her or not. Tucker is certainly a man's man with a rugged exterior and such genuine kindness and gentleness throughout the story. Ginger's boot collection and colorful outfit choices were the icing on the cake. I highly recommend this book for a delightful, humorous, and sweetly satisfying fall read!
*I recieved a free ARC in exchange for my honest review*

[Alexis Rohrer · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute
So cringe like every romance
Now I need a latte

[Anna Kate Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was sweet and I liked the story, but honestly it felt a little rushed and there were several things that felt unexplained. I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story because I couldn’t let myself stop thinking of the plot holes/oddities. I’d read more from her though.

[Adrianne Griffey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It had an engaging story and likeable characters. I had a hard time getting into at first. The “voice” was a little rough, but as I got into it, I got use to it. I found myself caring about the characters and what happened to them. It was sometime hard to tell who was talking, and I found myself going back to double check who was talking. There was a lot of fall/pumpkin spice in it, which I loved. The first time the female lead had a cup of the cowboy’s coffee I found myself wanting a cup of coffee. At 1 am. The Christian elements felt natural and realistic. The themes of weight and diet are handled well. I’m curious about the authors’ other books now. If you’re looking for a Christian fall romance, I recommend this one. I was provided with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Carter Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed for fall

Girl, PLEASE GIVE ME MORE CLEAN CHRISTIAN COWBOY ROMANCES!!
This was so wholesome. I love how naturally faith was written into this story as well. I need 10 more of these please, maybe delving into the other Wyoming towns mentioned 👀

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5

I sooooo enjoyed this book. I’m really big on relating to characters in books in some way. I really liked how much Ginger prayed throughout this book. Her constantly talking to God and recognizing His aid in helping her make her decisions was really cool to see and felt like how we as Christians really talk to God in everyday life. I will definitely be reading more from this author! 🍁🍂

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small town romance about a baker cowboy and a nail tech. It was cute and sweet. There was faith and prayer. Cowboy hats and boots. Small town festivities and fall drinks. This is the perfect book to read if you want a big dose of cozy fall vibes.




Thanks Cassandra for the honor of reading this arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️s (rounded up) | Maple Haven nail tech Ginger Hart has been crushing on Dallas, one of the town’s personal trainers, for most of the year. She’s gone to great lengths to impress him and he hasn’t noticed her—at all. When a cute cowboy baker named Tucker brings his coffee and sweet treats truck to town in hopes of winning the town’s fall pumpkin pie contest, the duo agree to a fake romance to help one another out with their goals. There’s only one rule—no falling in love. But rules were made to be broken, right?

Okay, can we just have a moment for the cover? It gives all the fall vibes and sets us up perfectly for a sweet fall romcom. I really enjoyed how much fall was infused into the story. From fall-themed mani-pedis to coffee and treats to Maple Haven’s Pumpkin Stampede, it was packed full. I also enjoyed the faith elements that Cassandra wove throughout the narrative.

I will say that I had a bit of a disconnect with Ginger. Maybe it’s because I’m almost *cough* 40 *cough* but her character just felt a bit juvenile and immature. I will say that this is a part of her character growth, but I was a bit frustrated by her priorities for most of the book. I think I would have identified more if I was younger. I really appreciated how honorable and intentional Tucker was though. It would have been cool to have an epilogue from his POV.

If you’re looking for one last fall read, you may want to check this one out!

Grateful to the author for sending me a copy. No review was required and all opinions are my own.

Content considerations: body image issues, excessive exercise, and restrictive dieting

[Sian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up for the adorable cover and stayed for the autumnal vibes. The writing on that front was a mental feast for the senses.

While being a very easy read, it could have benefited from more editing. The grammar use was awkward at times and there were obvious typos my eyes found right away while I was reading. I didn’t mind the “small town wisdom” or “Ginger’s polished thoughts” throughout the book but a couple of them did not make sense to me and I think they should have just been at the beginnings of the chapters or at the ends. Some of them felt ill-placed.

The romance and the plot were light but the author spent time on Ginger’s character development, so definitely more of a character-driven little rom-com. And I did relate to some of her inner struggles. I liked Tucker’s character but wish the reader got his POV, it would have clued me in to why he liked Ginger so much, as he states in his declaration for her, because there really wasn’t much evidence for that.

Overall, a lighthearted easy fall rom-com read with faith-filled food for thought.

In this book:
-fake dating
-small western town
-cowboy baker MMC
-nail artist FMC
-slow-burn
-single POV
-low angst
-new guy in town

Content Guide:
Romance - clean
Language - clean
Violence - clean
Faith - strong amount

Potential Content Warning:
-thoughts and conversation on body image and restrictive eating (the author has a note for this at the beginning of the book)

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboys, autumn, small town, and pumpkin spice chai lattes! If you love any of these, you will enjoy How to Fall for a Cowboy!

Ginger, the FMC, is a sweet, dedicated, nail tech, great friend, and lover of sweets.

Tucker, the MMC, a cowboy (ex-bull rider), cinnamon roll, who bakes, is such a sweetheart, a dedicated, and committed gentleman.

Small town romances have slowly been defrosting my frozen heart. This story was such a cute and fun read!! Always appreciate a man that can make a great cup of coffee and bake! It’s a good reminder that sometimes we don’t notice what is right in front of us because we are too busy looking in the wrong places.

Thank you so much Cassandra Joelle for allowing me to be part of your ARC Team!!! I loved this book!!!

***Trigger Warning: This book does touch on some sensitive aspects such as body image, self-worth, over exercising, and restrictive eating. ***

[Morgan (lostinthepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first 4 pages and immediately knew I needed to share this book with my SIL. Finally a book that oozes fall!! The author did a fabulous job of setting the scene and making you feel so cozy and fallish.

I think the cover reflects well what the book is about. When she says all the pumpkin and none of the spice, she means it. This is one of the most Christ centered Christian romance books I’ve ever read. At times I felt like it was a bit on the YA side, even though the MCs are adults, but it was very sweet romance. I would compare it to a hallmark in terms of romance. The whole book leads up to them truly getting together and the kiss is at the very end, similar to a hallmark.

This would be a book I would confidently give a teenager! We need more books like this in the world!

⚠️the story does deal with body image and eating issues
🤫No language
🔥completely closed door

[Brittney (booksta.britt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Fall for a Cowboy by @cassandrajoelle

My goodness this book was so fun!
Bonus - it is a Christian romance!

This book made me feel all the fall things and I smiled so much during it. I am loving all the books I read by this Author! The FMC in this one is a nail tech & the last one I read by her the FMC was a Weather girl! I love all the different lifestyles!!

MMC Tucker in this one is an ex rodeo star and comes to this small town to sell his delicious baked goods! His food truck sits right across from Ginger’s salon. They become fast friends and come up with a fake dating idea.

I really enjoyed this book. Pick this one up this weekend - grab a blanket, hot chocolate, and enjoy. It is seriously so cozy and easy to read. The side characters in this one felt like family!
I can’t wait to read your next one, Cassandra! 🤎🍂🍁

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book before its release date in exchange for an honest review🤍
This was such a fun, cosy autumn read! If you love all things pumpkin spice and a cute, fun christian romance then this book is for you🫶🏻 I loved both of the mcs so much. Gingers growth throughout the book was so inspiring and I loved how Tucker was so kind and sweet. This was my first Christian romance that I’ve read and it was so wholesome. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by this author. It gives the perfect small town vibes but make it autumn themed, which was exactly what I was looking for. If you’re looking for a seasonal sweet romance book then I’d definitely recommend this one🪽

[Bianka Rose Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC: How to Fall for a Cowboy by Cassandra Joelle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 | 0/5 🌶️ | ♾️/🎃

Thank you Cassandra for my free ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

I loved this book! Cozy fall vibes, trusting your faith, and a trip straight into Cowboy Country 🤠. Cassandra Joelle’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters, taste testing sweet treats, saying a prayer in tough moments, finding self worth, and even shedding a tear. So saddle up and take a trip to Maple Haven, Wyoming and meet Ginger and Tucker! 🍂🤠☕️

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun read for me. I LOVED all the autumn vibes of the story, as well as the cowboy elements and the coffee truck. The character growth of Ginger was great and Tucker's desire to be "worthy" of her was really sweet. This was my first read of Cassandra's (the rest have been on my TBR for awhile) but it won't be my last. I really enjoy her stories!

I received an ARC of this story and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet read!

This story is so sweet! I love that it’s a Christ-centered, fall the,ed Rom-com. Parts of it were cheesy, parts had me laugh out loud, and parts had me praying alongside Ginger. Wonderful book!

[lauren ♡ (literallyilliterate) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5

I wasn't a fan of the dialogue. It was a little robotic in my opinion. But the fall vibes were certainly there, and I loved how our main character, Ginger, prayed to God whenever her feelings got away with her.

Can God please pull Tucker Callahan out of this book and give him to me as a husband?