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Sweet Haven Farm #0.5
Harvest Moon Homecoming
When the high school’s float explodes five days before the National Farmer’s Day parade, Principal Calvin Finkenbinder sees his chance at the promotion to Superintendent disintegrate. Unless he enlists the help of Ellie Bright, the most annoying, disorganized and kissable woman he knows.
Standing in Principal Fink’s office, again, for driving her daughter to school late, again, Ellie is given two odious choices. Either her straight A daughter receives detention for another tardy that’s not her fault, or Ellie uses her artistic skills and helps the uptight, stringent principal build a new float.
As they scramble to construct the float in time, Ellie’s chaotic life collides with Fink’s methodical plans. A tangle of arguments and decorations leads to a stolen kiss. Underneath their long established animosity is an unexpected passion that threatens to ruin more than just a school float.
Standing in Principal Fink’s office, again, for driving her daughter to school late, again, Ellie is given two odious choices. Either her straight A daughter receives detention for another tardy that’s not her fault, or Ellie uses her artistic skills and helps the uptight, stringent principal build a new float.
As they scramble to construct the float in time, Ellie’s chaotic life collides with Fink’s methodical plans. A tangle of arguments and decorations leads to a stolen kiss. Underneath their long established animosity is an unexpected passion that threatens to ruin more than just a school float.
140 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2017
974 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
August 1, 2018
5 STARS= Excellent= Immensely Enjoyable= I loved it...!
This was basically a feel-good, sweet romance yet there was enough conflict to keep me on the edge. The writing was polished and full of humour. The main characters, Ellie and Fink, were highly appealing and relatable. I very much enjoyed their funny and romantic interactions and liked the way they were developed, individually and also as a couple. I could feel both the emotional connection as well as the physical chemistry between them. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Harper and Wyatt. All in all, it was a delightful read and I highly recommend it :-)
Disclosure: Received a free ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.
This was basically a feel-good, sweet romance yet there was enough conflict to keep me on the edge. The writing was polished and full of humour. The main characters, Ellie and Fink, were highly appealing and relatable. I very much enjoyed their funny and romantic interactions and liked the way they were developed, individually and also as a couple. I could feel both the emotional connection as well as the physical chemistry between them. I also loved the supporting characters, especially Harper and Wyatt. All in all, it was a delightful read and I highly recommend it :-)
Disclosure: Received a free ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.
March 10, 2025
Fun contemporary! Funny dialogue between heroine and hero! Great characters!
May 17, 2018
There isn’t much that’s funnier than an opposites attract love story. When one person is straitlaced and organized and the other is wheels off and free spirited, hilarity and hi-jinks are bound to ensue. Which is exactly what happens in Harvest Moon Homecoming! But there is also so much more - which surprised me since this was a novella-length book.
Calvin Finkenbinder is a small town high school principal, with his sights set on becoming the superintendent. It’s the position he’s been working towards since his career began 15 years ago.
Ellie Bright is the widowed, single mother of a student who attends the high school. She consistently shows up at the school dressed in her pajama bottoms, with her hair a mess, to drop her daughter Harper off at school late (and not just a minute or two, more like 20 or 30). Mr. Finkenbinder has decided enough is enough, and gives Mrs. Bright an ultimatum: help with the homecoming float, or Harper serves two hours of detention every day for two weeks. Ellie opts for working with the “pompous donkey” on the float.
As can be expected when two people with opposite personalities work together, there’s plenty of conflict. Their banter back and forth is filled with acerbic wit. It was all rather entertaining!
But this isn’t just an opposites attract story. It’s also about not judging people before you get to know them, and learning that someone else’s strengths can balance out your weaknesses. Mr. F (as the students call him) looks down on Ellie because she’s so disorganized and always late. What he doesn’t see is how much she has on her plate and how hard she works - long hours running a business (two, actually) and doing a damn good job raising her daughter. Ellie gets irritated with how uptight and uber-organized Fink is, but once they start to work together she realizes how helpful it is to have someone like that around.
As I said, this book was so much more than just two very different people falling in love. It was sweet, and fun, and also heartwarming. The characters were great - especially Ellie’s daughter, Harper, and Fink’s nephew, Wyatt. This was a fantastic story, and I was impressed that the author was able to get so many layers of this story, and develop the characters so well, in just 116 pages. Did I mention this is Ms. Gussman’s first book? So, yeah...color me impressed. I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author!
Calvin Finkenbinder is a small town high school principal, with his sights set on becoming the superintendent. It’s the position he’s been working towards since his career began 15 years ago.
Ellie Bright is the widowed, single mother of a student who attends the high school. She consistently shows up at the school dressed in her pajama bottoms, with her hair a mess, to drop her daughter Harper off at school late (and not just a minute or two, more like 20 or 30). Mr. Finkenbinder has decided enough is enough, and gives Mrs. Bright an ultimatum: help with the homecoming float, or Harper serves two hours of detention every day for two weeks. Ellie opts for working with the “pompous donkey” on the float.
As can be expected when two people with opposite personalities work together, there’s plenty of conflict. Their banter back and forth is filled with acerbic wit. It was all rather entertaining!
But this isn’t just an opposites attract story. It’s also about not judging people before you get to know them, and learning that someone else’s strengths can balance out your weaknesses. Mr. F (as the students call him) looks down on Ellie because she’s so disorganized and always late. What he doesn’t see is how much she has on her plate and how hard she works - long hours running a business (two, actually) and doing a damn good job raising her daughter. Ellie gets irritated with how uptight and uber-organized Fink is, but once they start to work together she realizes how helpful it is to have someone like that around.
As I said, this book was so much more than just two very different people falling in love. It was sweet, and fun, and also heartwarming. The characters were great - especially Ellie’s daughter, Harper, and Fink’s nephew, Wyatt. This was a fantastic story, and I was impressed that the author was able to get so many layers of this story, and develop the characters so well, in just 116 pages. Did I mention this is Ms. Gussman’s first book? So, yeah...color me impressed. I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author!
April 22, 2018
I’ve had a bad couple of months and so I was looking for a light, cheerful novel with nice people and no angst. This hit the spot. Fink and Ellie are very nice people, getting on in life, and discovering that they’re not too old for romance. It’s a clean romance, so apart from a few kisses, it’s all about the relationship that develops. I must say, I liked the farm details and the plot revolving around the American tradition of having parades with floats was also a lot of fun.
I came across an ARC and am reviewing voluntarily
I came across an ARC and am reviewing voluntarily
November 14, 2017
Love the humor and the tingles in this romance
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this story and what a joy to now see it available for everyone to read.
The relationship between Ellie and Fink was hilarious and had me in stitches from the first page. Watching them figure out that they didn't hate each other but were in fact in love was so fun. And then they had to decide whether they would fight for that love or not.
Each character in the story is unique and I can not pick a favorite between Ellie, Fink, Harper and Wyatt. They each add humor and interest to the story and I hope to spend more time with them in future stories.
Be sure to read this wonderful story for yourself.
Sex - Ellie and Fink have a hard time controlling their passion and they end up kissing several times right after screaming at each other. While this could end up being inappropriate, it is mostly funny (well there is some sizzle too) as you will see when you read the book. There is mention of a hand under a shirt but no touching any specific body parts, no clothes removed, and they are nowhere near a bedroom for any of the kisses so even though there is some "making out" going on, they are adults and it is not really anything more than passionate kisses.
Language - no swearing; 'dang' and 'crap' are used instead
Violence - none
Religion - none
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this story and what a joy to now see it available for everyone to read.
The relationship between Ellie and Fink was hilarious and had me in stitches from the first page. Watching them figure out that they didn't hate each other but were in fact in love was so fun. And then they had to decide whether they would fight for that love or not.
Each character in the story is unique and I can not pick a favorite between Ellie, Fink, Harper and Wyatt. They each add humor and interest to the story and I hope to spend more time with them in future stories.
Be sure to read this wonderful story for yourself.
Sex - Ellie and Fink have a hard time controlling their passion and they end up kissing several times right after screaming at each other. While this could end up being inappropriate, it is mostly funny (well there is some sizzle too) as you will see when you read the book. There is mention of a hand under a shirt but no touching any specific body parts, no clothes removed, and they are nowhere near a bedroom for any of the kisses so even though there is some "making out" going on, they are adults and it is not really anything more than passionate kisses.
Language - no swearing; 'dang' and 'crap' are used instead
Violence - none
Religion - none
March 25, 2018
I received a copy from the author via AXP; this is my honest review.
-Fink and Ellie made a great couple; you could see they belonged to each other. The characters matured and understood better how their past affected them.
-It's funny, it's maddening, it's touching, it's a great romance.
-I loved all the secondary appearances too.
- Lots of dialogues, lots of action going on.
-Just to confuse us, the author chose to use Rothschild pumpkins and a person named Dr. Rothschild... I thought it was a bad idea.
-At one point, Ellie says to Fink: "I’m a country girl with small town values. A man needs a legal right to be in my bedroom" She's 18 years too late to say such a thing.
-Editing needs another pass: verses vs. versus, soup vs. beef stew, all night vs. 3:30 p.m., etc.
-Fink and Ellie made a great couple; you could see they belonged to each other. The characters matured and understood better how their past affected them.
-It's funny, it's maddening, it's touching, it's a great romance.
-I loved all the secondary appearances too.
- Lots of dialogues, lots of action going on.
-Just to confuse us, the author chose to use Rothschild pumpkins and a person named Dr. Rothschild... I thought it was a bad idea.
-At one point, Ellie says to Fink: "I’m a country girl with small town values. A man needs a legal right to be in my bedroom" She's 18 years too late to say such a thing.
-Editing needs another pass: verses vs. versus, soup vs. beef stew, all night vs. 3:30 p.m., etc.
December 10, 2017
I was asked to review this book by Librarything.com
Delightful autumnal read, fast paced cute read but there was a good storyline. This was funny with great chemistry between the characters. The characters were likable and real.
The author writes well and I am now seeking out this author to see what else has been written
This was a quick read for me but well recommended pumpkins and the autumn a great time of the year
Delightful autumnal read, fast paced cute read but there was a good storyline. This was funny with great chemistry between the characters. The characters were likable and real.
The author writes well and I am now seeking out this author to see what else has been written
This was a quick read for me but well recommended pumpkins and the autumn a great time of the year
March 22, 2018
This is a short, sweet and funny story it shows how parents to do anything and everything for their kids including giving up on their dreams. This book looks at love as ageless and that’s one of things I loved the most about it. I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I got this copy from author, in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2020
Funny sweet story!
Love this author! Her stories are such fun to read! Great humor, great characters, wonderful plot! Couldn't ask for more! Only downside, you can't put it down! Plan on reading straight through! Great read!
Love this author! Her stories are such fun to read! Great humor, great characters, wonderful plot! Couldn't ask for more! Only downside, you can't put it down! Plan on reading straight through! Great read!
August 16, 2020
Another touching (and hilarious) book by Jessie Gussman. The couples in this book jump off the pages and into your heart with tons of laughter. I read this book in 2019, but my review is missing, so I have done some skimming through the book to refresh my memory. Another book by this author that has your heart grabbing one moment and trying to quit laughing out loud the next.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
August 4, 2018
It was very cute! Fink and Ellie were hilarious. I also really liked the message that our value is not defined by our jobs. And then I read the acknowledgements and cried! (happy)
November 10, 2017
This is a quick-paced, delightful read. Just in time for pumpkins and fall! The chemistry between the principal and Ellie sizzles, and their witty banter entertained me. I like reading opposites attract stories. The secondary characters were well developed and before I knew it, I was at the end. It’s always nice to read a clean, well-written story. I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2017
I received a free copy from City Owl Press in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short, fun read. There are two people from what appears to be from opposite sides of the track. Ellie Bright, a single unorganized mother to Harper. Ellie got pregnant and married very young, then lost her husband to an accident. Ellie runs a farm called Sweet Haven Farm, alongside her in-laws, although, she has dreams of attending a university for art. Calvin Finkenbinder is the principal of a small school, that Harper attends. Calvin has ambitions to move up to the school superintendent.
Ellie is perpetually late in getting her daughter to school, and Calvin has no choice, but to give Harper detention. When news that the Homecoming float exploded, and parents denied permission for their kids to help rebuild one. Calvin comes up with a solution, that if Ellie helps build the float, then Harper won't receive detention. Ellie agrees.
The project may turn out to be a little too much for both Ellie and Calvin, who can't stop arguing with one another, and along the way discover an attraction, if they can just quit fighting long enough to see it. Ellie will need to overcome her insecurities about Calvin's degrees. Calvin will need to forgive himself of his past.
This was a short, fun read. There are two people from what appears to be from opposite sides of the track. Ellie Bright, a single unorganized mother to Harper. Ellie got pregnant and married very young, then lost her husband to an accident. Ellie runs a farm called Sweet Haven Farm, alongside her in-laws, although, she has dreams of attending a university for art. Calvin Finkenbinder is the principal of a small school, that Harper attends. Calvin has ambitions to move up to the school superintendent.
Ellie is perpetually late in getting her daughter to school, and Calvin has no choice, but to give Harper detention. When news that the Homecoming float exploded, and parents denied permission for their kids to help rebuild one. Calvin comes up with a solution, that if Ellie helps build the float, then Harper won't receive detention. Ellie agrees.
The project may turn out to be a little too much for both Ellie and Calvin, who can't stop arguing with one another, and along the way discover an attraction, if they can just quit fighting long enough to see it. Ellie will need to overcome her insecurities about Calvin's degrees. Calvin will need to forgive himself of his past.
April 21, 2024
Loved it
Between a 4 and 4.5. It was such a sweet romance that made me laugh out loud a few times. I thought Ellie looked like the crazy Barbie with red hair for a long time until she combed her hair into a thick braid. Haha. I didn't think I'd like Ellie, I'm sure why. I fell in love with her though. And every time it would start getting spicy, I'd get so excited but it became very clear that it was a clean romance after a while. One of the best clean romances I've read in a long time. Up there with 'The Exception to The Rule' by Christen Lauren. I really enjoyed it. The only reason it didn't get a five was because there were a couple pages of 'drag' but they were so few that once I got past them, the story flew by in the blink of an eye, funny, sexy but clean(to some extent, just a bunch of heated kisses), and sweet.
Between a 4 and 4.5. It was such a sweet romance that made me laugh out loud a few times. I thought Ellie looked like the crazy Barbie with red hair for a long time until she combed her hair into a thick braid. Haha. I didn't think I'd like Ellie, I'm sure why. I fell in love with her though. And every time it would start getting spicy, I'd get so excited but it became very clear that it was a clean romance after a while. One of the best clean romances I've read in a long time. Up there with 'The Exception to The Rule' by Christen Lauren. I really enjoyed it. The only reason it didn't get a five was because there were a couple pages of 'drag' but they were so few that once I got past them, the story flew by in the blink of an eye, funny, sexy but clean(to some extent, just a bunch of heated kisses), and sweet.
January 14, 2018
Very cute book. Disorganized single mom ends up having to work with uptight principal...romance ensues. Funny & very different from most books I have read.
February 3, 2022
Wow- this new series started off with a burst of combustion between the H and h. They were complete opposites with one completely disorganized and bringing her daughter to school late every day and the other the principal of the school needing everything in complete order on his desk and in his life.
Principal Calvin Finkenbinder had his name in the running for the new School Superintendent and getting the school float finished for the National Farmer's Day parade was not going as planned. When the float explodes days before the event- he needs to come up with a new plan and a new team to work on it as the other group quit after the float was destroyed. Deciding that the penalty for Ellie Bright for bringing her to school late everyday was to have her help work on the float. He had no idea that working together with her would make him feel things he never expected.
Ellie Bright has a wonderful talent for artistic designs. It's too bad that she never had a chance to go to art school since she never even graduated from high school. Raising a daughter and getting married at a very young age had denied her both but she never regretted the beautiful daughter that was getting ready to graduate from high school. When she brings her to school late one time to many she is given a choice, her daughter get detention or Ellie helps on the school float. Not wanting her child for pay for her lack of organization, she chose the later. Now if she could just stop arguing with the school principal over the details. Oh and one more thing about Ellie, she was a very young widow since her husband died in a freak work accident.
I really enjoyed this first book in this series and look forward to getting to know more of the people in this small town in Pennsylvania.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Principal Calvin Finkenbinder had his name in the running for the new School Superintendent and getting the school float finished for the National Farmer's Day parade was not going as planned. When the float explodes days before the event- he needs to come up with a new plan and a new team to work on it as the other group quit after the float was destroyed. Deciding that the penalty for Ellie Bright for bringing her to school late everyday was to have her help work on the float. He had no idea that working together with her would make him feel things he never expected.
Ellie Bright has a wonderful talent for artistic designs. It's too bad that she never had a chance to go to art school since she never even graduated from high school. Raising a daughter and getting married at a very young age had denied her both but she never regretted the beautiful daughter that was getting ready to graduate from high school. When she brings her to school late one time to many she is given a choice, her daughter get detention or Ellie helps on the school float. Not wanting her child for pay for her lack of organization, she chose the later. Now if she could just stop arguing with the school principal over the details. Oh and one more thing about Ellie, she was a very young widow since her husband died in a freak work accident.
I really enjoyed this first book in this series and look forward to getting to know more of the people in this small town in Pennsylvania.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
February 16, 2022
After Harper arrived late at school for the umpteenth time because of her mother’s disorganization, Fink knows he has to punish her mother. So he volunteers her to be in charge of the float for the parade. However, to make sure it is actually done on time, he decides to help her out. And they keep on fighting… and kissing!
I found interesting how the characters saw their own value through others’ eyes. Ellie felt less because she did not finish high school, had no degree whatsoever. Fink used to think himself less because he came from a farmers’ family, choosing an academic career to prove he was no country bumpkin. I know people who feel exactly like Ellie, and it’s an ongoing challenge to get them to understand that intelligence does not equal having diplomas. Or that where one comes from does not define one’s intellectual capabilities (in Fink’s case). In our society, where having an education is expected, it is hard for those who don’t have diplomas to feel valuated. Personally, I think we should thrive to encourage each other and not hide our insecurities by belittling people. Just the way Fink challenged Ellie to take a chance on him, to see past his academics all the way through to his person – his heart.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found interesting how the characters saw their own value through others’ eyes. Ellie felt less because she did not finish high school, had no degree whatsoever. Fink used to think himself less because he came from a farmers’ family, choosing an academic career to prove he was no country bumpkin. I know people who feel exactly like Ellie, and it’s an ongoing challenge to get them to understand that intelligence does not equal having diplomas. Or that where one comes from does not define one’s intellectual capabilities (in Fink’s case). In our society, where having an education is expected, it is hard for those who don’t have diplomas to feel valuated. Personally, I think we should thrive to encourage each other and not hide our insecurities by belittling people. Just the way Fink challenged Ellie to take a chance on him, to see past his academics all the way through to his person – his heart.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2019
I really love this authors work. She has a way with words that always seems to put me right smack dab in my happy place. This read was no different. Here we have a woman who became a teen mom and wife all in one swoop all to become a widow. Giving up her dreams and finding her happy place she struggles juggling it all. That struggle puts her right in the path of her forever guy. Everything is good and easy right?? No way not with these two. The way to being each other's forever is filled with fights and bouts of making out. This book is pure fun and insanity and all that you can expect from this author which is a good thing. I laughed and felt her pain as a single parent just needing to catch a break. She is everything messy chaos on wheels and he is everything neat and tidy to the point of ocd, together they mesh and just make sense. With this author I know what to expect and am never disappointed. With a little making out, no foul language it's a great clean read that gives me all I need to walk away happy at the end.
January 2, 2019
Good but with occasional flurries of cringe
This is a funny prequel to the excellent "Better Together". This one seems like it's trying a little too hard, & the humor sometimes feels awkwardly contrived or even cringeworthy. However, in fairness, I must admit there were some spots that made me literally laugh out loud, too.
Initially, Fink and Ellie aren't even entirely likeable individually, let alone as a couple. However, once the story settles in, the rough areas smooth out and it's easy to get on board with the plot.
It's entertaining watching the two characters learn to appreciate their differences & even start to rub off on each other a bit. I like the way the author has taken several common romance tropes & made them feel relatively fresh. I also enjoyed seeing the beginning of Harper and Wyatt's friendship.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing (hero's hands roam under heroine's shirt but stay on her waist & sides)
This is a funny prequel to the excellent "Better Together". This one seems like it's trying a little too hard, & the humor sometimes feels awkwardly contrived or even cringeworthy. However, in fairness, I must admit there were some spots that made me literally laugh out loud, too.
Initially, Fink and Ellie aren't even entirely likeable individually, let alone as a couple. However, once the story settles in, the rough areas smooth out and it's easy to get on board with the plot.
It's entertaining watching the two characters learn to appreciate their differences & even start to rub off on each other a bit. I like the way the author has taken several common romance tropes & made them feel relatively fresh. I also enjoyed seeing the beginning of Harper and Wyatt's friendship.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing (hero's hands roam under heroine's shirt but stay on her waist & sides)
March 18, 2019
If you are looking for a sweet, touching romance, this is the one for you.
Ellie Bright, is a single mom to a brilliant girl. Ellie is disorganized, but also sweet and a talented artist. A woman that is constantly late dropping her daughter in school.
The school’s principal, FInk/Finkenbinder , is hoping to be promoted to Superintendent . A position he has worked hard for .
Instead of giving Harper, her daughter, detention, Fink bargains with Ellie. If she helps with the homecoming float, Harper will not be doing detention.
Little did either know that from that moment on, their lives would change forever.
But instead of finding their HEA, will fear of change, and of not being good enough destroy that chance?
Another well written story by this talented author. Looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ellie Bright, is a single mom to a brilliant girl. Ellie is disorganized, but also sweet and a talented artist. A woman that is constantly late dropping her daughter in school.
The school’s principal, FInk/Finkenbinder , is hoping to be promoted to Superintendent . A position he has worked hard for .
Instead of giving Harper, her daughter, detention, Fink bargains with Ellie. If she helps with the homecoming float, Harper will not be doing detention.
Little did either know that from that moment on, their lives would change forever.
But instead of finding their HEA, will fear of change, and of not being good enough destroy that chance?
Another well written story by this talented author. Looking forward to reading more stories in this series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
October 20, 2019
I didn't care for this at all. I never saw the sense in couples who constantly argue, having any reason for staying together. Seems like that would just be too stressful and exhausting. Then to have an author write that such a couple cannot resist passionately kissing in the midst of such an argument is just too ridiculous!
I didn't care for either the male or female lead, and grossed me out that readers are supposed to believe when the female lead arrives at school late to drop her daughter off wearing pajama bottoms,a t-shirst, boots, and messy uncombed hair, that the hero who is taking her appearance in with lots of unpleasant thoughts, yet…….get this...…..he thinks about how kissable her lips look!!!!!!!!! Ain't a man alive that would think that while looking at a slob!
To top it off her daughter and his nephew who are the subjects in the next book are not major characters in this book, so I would advise skipping it, unless you enjoy scratching your head while trying to figure out why on earth these two people think they should get together!
I didn't care for either the male or female lead, and grossed me out that readers are supposed to believe when the female lead arrives at school late to drop her daughter off wearing pajama bottoms,a t-shirst, boots, and messy uncombed hair, that the hero who is taking her appearance in with lots of unpleasant thoughts, yet…….get this...…..he thinks about how kissable her lips look!!!!!!!!! Ain't a man alive that would think that while looking at a slob!
To top it off her daughter and his nephew who are the subjects in the next book are not major characters in this book, so I would advise skipping it, unless you enjoy scratching your head while trying to figure out why on earth these two people think they should get together!
December 1, 2025
This was adorable and now I want to read all the books by Jessie Gussman.
I loved the rivals to lovers factor between the FMC and the MMC
Four stars!
Small town romance
Forced proximity
Single mom x teacher
High school that isn’t raunchy
Best quotes:
“It’s hopeless. This was too big of a project for us.” She looked away, and he nudged her chin again, but she ignored him. “There’s a bunch of mangled up two-by-fours beside us, and it’s all my fault. You can say it. I know you’re dying to.” She bit her lip. “I’m dying to say…” He was dying to say she had spectacular blue eyes. Kissable lips. A mouth sweeter than any he had ever imagined.”
“People might see.” “It’s hard to care. You’re so beautiful with your bright cheeks and flashing eyes. Natural. It’s magnetic.”
“Say something, Ellie.” “Don’t quit.” He laughed. A strangled sound. “Don’t quit what? Talking? My job?” “Either. Both.” She took a breath, feeling like she was stepping off a cliff. “I love you, too, Fink.” “Ellie,” he breathed, before he lowered his head and kissed her. She returned the embrace with all the tangled emotions inside.”
July 21, 2020
Story: 5 stars
This story had me laughing out loud- Ms. Gussman really knows how to write humor. And she writes a believable, passionate kiss, while all the time keeping it clean. These two both bend a bit and change a bit and discover themselves a bit. They become a couple that you can believe will last through the years with cooperation and passion (and a few fights). They come to value one another and how their opposite tendencies can complement one another.
As a romance reader, I love the kissing, the realization of love and the HEA.
I can't wait to read the next book!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
This story had me laughing out loud- Ms. Gussman really knows how to write humor. And she writes a believable, passionate kiss, while all the time keeping it clean. These two both bend a bit and change a bit and discover themselves a bit. They become a couple that you can believe will last through the years with cooperation and passion (and a few fights). They come to value one another and how their opposite tendencies can complement one another.
As a romance reader, I love the kissing, the realization of love and the HEA.
I can't wait to read the next book!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
January 26, 2022
Ellie and Fink's story was delightful! Ellie was a hardworking farm girl who couldn't get her daughter to school on time to save her. Fink was the Principal of the school. They Both had tempers and what happened next made me gasp, then laugh out loud throughout the book. I love the interaction with the kids! Such a fun story, full of wonderful characters I stayed up all night to finish this book, I had to know what was going to happen next. It's that good! If you like clean, fun stories, you can't go wrong with 'Harvest Moon Homecoming'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
September 9, 2024
Harvest Moon Homecoming (Sweet Haven Farm Sweet Small Town Romance Book 1), my first enjoyable slow-to-build romance read from author Jessie Gussman that I finished in about two hours. I found myself smiling as I read this book, enjoyning the author's twists of a phrase in her writing. I received a Kindle copy of this book back in April and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author & in this series with Better Together (Sweet Haven Farm Sweet Small Town Romance Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
December 23, 2025
Jessie's books are edifying. I would say they are also light reads, but she does tackle difficult topics. Bad things happen to the characters or because of their choices, but there is redemption, grace, and forgiveness. She weaves in truths about how we should leave as Christians, which serve as reminders as I listen along.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
I've listened to her books on YouTube "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
August 15, 2018
This is a new Author for me. Sometimes it is hard to try something new but her covers were so cute and I chatted with the Author on Facebook and knew I had to take a chance. I’m so glad I did they was such a cute book. I loved it! It also reminded me a lot of a farm near my house. I love Fink and Ellie’s story. Sometimes opposites are the best because you both compliment each other and make the other work to be a better person. I can’t wait to read more from this Author! Don’t be afraid to give her a try.
May 22, 2020
Opposites attract.
Ellie and Fink couldn't be more different. Funk is a school principal who likes order, with everything lined up precisely, wears suits even though the school allows a more relaxed dress code, and has plans to become the next school superintendent. Ellie flies through life by the seat of her pants, is a high school dropout and is often late delivering her daughter to school. Needless to say, they infuriate each other. So who'd ever think one could be attracted to the other?
Ellie and Fink couldn't be more different. Funk is a school principal who likes order, with everything lined up precisely, wears suits even though the school allows a more relaxed dress code, and has plans to become the next school superintendent. Ellie flies through life by the seat of her pants, is a high school dropout and is often late delivering her daughter to school. Needless to say, they infuriate each other. So who'd ever think one could be attracted to the other?
May 14, 2021
An interesting story, about two people who are polar opposites and hate each other falling in love. Made me wonder how many times that would actually happen, although I think he judged her at first because she was always getting her daughter to school late without knowing how many different things she was juggling at the same time. At least for me before got married, I was never romantically interested in guys that I couldn't stand. But maybe for these two characters, their initial reactions were based on their own insecurities, as they did both grow and mature by the end of the book.
January 26, 2022
Ellie’s life is complete chaos. Mr. Fink on the other hand, is Mr. perfection. When these two opposites, start working together they learn opposites really do attract. I loved reading their story and seeing Fink learn to loosen up a little and do what really makes him happy. Ellie learning that although she sees herself as inferior to others, that’s now how it really is and that we really are our own worst critics. This was such a sweet, fun, farm romance.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All
Opinions are my own.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All
Opinions are my own.
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