When spirited second-grade teacher Emma Brooks is paired with the town’s shy veterinarian Caleb Martin to run the beloved Fall Festival hayride, neither expects more than a few shared afternoons of preparation. But as crisp autumn days turn into golden evenings beneath a canopy of leaves, the space between them begins to narrow in ways neither can ignore.

Emma, known for her warm smile and lively nature, carries her own doubts about love after past heartbreak. Caleb, gentle and reserved, has long hidden behind his quiet life at the vet clinic. Yet through laughter-filled hayrides, fleeting touches, and the magic of one unforgettable festival, both find themselves questioning whether the walls they’ve built are worth keeping.

As festival whispers stir insecurities and old fears resurface, Emma and Caleb must decide if they’re brave enough to trust in something new.

Will a weekend meant to raise funds for the school instead raise the stakes of their hearts forever?

Fall in love with this heartwarming small-town romance that celebrates second chances, slow-burn attraction, and the sweet possibilities of love found in unexpected places.

Sophie K. Arlington