For my October 2026 book review, I selected Always be My Pumpkin by Irish author Linda McEvoy.
The title and the book jacket caught my eye, and when I read the blurb, I was intrigued.
I have an affinity for Irish authors because they tend to be incredible storytellers, and I enjoy works set in the wild and beautiful Irish countryside. I also appreciate a well-written romance with a few twists. McEvoy delivers with a sweet and spicy love story. She also throws in a healthy dose of Celtic folklore.
I enjoyed the town debate over whether Stingy Jacks (Jack O’Lanterns) should be made from turnips according to tradition or if the newer practice of using pumpkins, a North American winter squash, that’s larger and softer, should be allowed at Samhain festivals.
This fall romance is set in Oakwood, a quaint Irish village. Gracie has recently returned from London after a horrific break up with her long-time boyfriend, Jamie. She’s trying to settle back into village life, but things in her beloved Oakwood are changing.
She’s working at the library again, but her former mentor, Gertrude, the head librarian, isn’t ready to forgive Gracie for leaving her job to follow Jamie to London.
With her mom away on holiday after renting out the family’s cottage, Gracie’s living with her friend Sarah and Sarah’s fiancé, Scott, until she can save up for her own place. But she hates being the third wheel and doesn’t want to overstay her welcome.
To get back in Gertrude’s good books and secure a promotion, Gracie volunteers to plan the Samhain festival for the community.
Flynn Anderson, Gracie’s childhood bestie and the one who got away, returns to Oakwood to help his uncle close the gardening store and tie-up loose ends, so he can retire with his partner Tim.
Flynn and Gracie were inseparable until his father accepted a position at a New York hospital and uprooted the family without warning. Their parting did not go smoothly. Though they corresponded occasionally, too many words were left unspoken. Gracie moved on with Jamie and Flynn began a serious relationship with someone else.
Now, ten years later, they are thrown together again when Flynn and his uncle volunteer to help with the festival. Gracie has missed her friend terribly but seeing him stirs up the romantic feelings she never dared to voice and the painful memories of their last days together.
When Jamie learns Flynn is in Oakwood with Gracie, he returns to the village determined to force a reconciliation and persuade her to accompany him to Australia. Can Gracie dodge Jamie’s manipulative attempts to win her back while she’s trying to repair her friendship with Flynn? How far will Jamie go to keep her and Flynn apart? Will Gracie and Flynn find their way out of the friend zone and into each other’s arms or will she choose Jamie?
No spoilers here. Read the book. You’ll be glad you did.
You will also enjoy these books by Linda McEvoy:
The Christmas Market (2024)
Be My Book Boyfriend (Oakwood Village Dreams) expected 16 March 2027
Images for this article are from Linda McEvoy’s social media pages for the benefit of our readers with no copyright infringement intended.
Follow the author at:
@lindamcevoywriter on Instagram and Threads, and LindaMcEvoyWriter Facebook Page.