Something About September by Julia McKay
Something About September by Julia McKay is perfect for readers looking for a new fall romance that is like spiced apple cider: sweet with just a hint of the spicy!
Something About September
Something About September by Julia McKay (who also writes as Marissa Stapley) is a fall forward small town romance that will melt your heart. It’s Hallmark movie perfection, with all the fall vibes, a missed chances romance, and a few family secrets.
Rebecca Macintosh grew up in Bramley Hollow, a small town in Canada, then followed her dreams to becoming a professor of English in Toronto. When the town mayor tells her that her family’s diner will be condemned if she doesn’t come make some repairs, she heads back to her hometown. There, she tries to avoid her former high school crush, Cort. After her grandmother’s funeral, she made an awkward pass at him that still has her cringing.
There was so much to love in Something About September: the charming small town, Rebecca and Cort trying to ignore the obvious attraction between them, and Rebecca’s loyal BFF Sabrina (who must be getting her own book). My favorite thing, though, had to be that many of the characters had apple names: Macintosh, Cortland, Pippin, Braeburn, and more. I was laughing each time I found a new one.
The romance was more a missed chances than a second chance romance. Rebecca tutored Cort in high school and they grew close, but he had a girlfriend. Then there was the awkward funeral situation, and now Cort thinks Rebecca is just in town for the short term. The book has one tasteful open door scene and then some more references to their bedroom activities!
If you’re looking for a fall romance, Something About September is a wonderful pick. Like the perfect apple, the story is just the right amount of sweet and tart.
Something About September had
- Charming small town Canadian setting
- A “missed chances” friendship to love journey
- A medium spice level that should work for most readers.
- Publication date: August 18, 2026 by Putnam Books. Thanks so much to them for the advance review copy.
something about september is Perfect For:
- Readers who want a fall book that is feels as warm and fall coded as a pumpkin spice latte
- Fans of books with a cute and quirky small town setting
My Master Post on the Best Rated Fall Romance Books has all the cozy fall romance books you need to know about.
I loved this one. I am all about the fall vibes right now, and it was funny how hard the author leaned into fall with all the names and whatnot. Liked the allusion the The Great Pumpkin too.