Lauryn Harper Falls Apart
- Judith D Collins
- Sep 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 5
By: Shauna Robinson
Narrator: Deanna Anthony
Spotify Audiobooks
ISBN: 9781728268712
Publisher: Sourebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 09/09/2025
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
For fans of Elyssa Friedland comes a rollicking fall novel from beloved author Shauna Robinson, where the friend who left and the friend who stayed must reunite to save their hometown through the fall festival that once brought them together.
Lauryn Harper had a plan. A high achieving, perfectly constructed, eight-year plan. But after a (totally blown out of proportion) mishap at work that plan is put to the test.
As punishment for her mistake she is transferred to the Ryser charity department, a branch that just so happens to be located in the hometown she abandoned long ago - and that her powerful corporate employer is responsible for running into the ground. Horrified at the thought of returning and facing those she left behind (one in particular keeps coming to mind), Lauryn quickly comes up with a new plan: impress her boss enough that she's briskly whisked back to her big city life.
However, it soon becomes clear that sticking to plans isn't that simple, especially when her ex-best friend enters the charity department demanding they help revitalize the town by bringing back the once-famous Greenstead Apple Festival. Confronted by her past wrongs, Lauryn immediately agrees to host the festival on Ryser's dime, but soon enough Lauryn is swept away in town hijinks, chaotic planning sessions, and a second chance with a childhood friend that shows her why home isn't necessarily a place she has to run from.
My Review
Prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of fall festivals, where leaves crunch under your feet, and warm cider delights the senses. Experience the inviting charm of quaint small towns, each with its own unique story to tell.
Embrace the promise of new beginnings with Shauna Robinson's captivating novel, LAURYN HARPER FALLS APART. This heartwarming and witty tale invites you to explore the depth of emotions and the transformative power of change against a backdrop of autumn's stunning beauty.
About...
Lauryn Harper once meticulously crafted a five-year plan, envisioning a future filled with success and fulfillment. However, an unexpected mishap at work turns her world upside down, forcing Lauryn to put her carefully constructed dreams on hold. She finds herself returning to her roots, standing at a crossroads where she must decide if she’s willing to embrace a second chance.
After tirelessly climbing the corporate ladder, sacrificing personal relationships along the way, Lauryn is faced with the consequences of her error. As punishment, she is transferred to the Ryser Charity Department, a seemingly inconsequential branch of her corporation. But this department is steeped in significance; it’s nestled in the very hometown she left behind years ago—the same town that her powerful corporation has played a pivotal role in dismantling, leaving scars of neglect and decay.
With a fierce determination ignited within her, Lauryn embarks on a mission to revive the town's cherished Fall Apple Festival, a vibrant celebration that holds a treasure trove of memories for its residents. In the process, she seeks to mend the estranged ties with her once inseparable best friend, navigating the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. As old wounds resurface and new challenges arise, Lauryn must confront her past and discover what it truly means to belong.
My reflections...
Sometimes, home is precisely where you need to find yourself once again.
With profound emotional resonance and a wistful charm, the author intricately weaves a narrative that beautifully illustrates the enduring power of love, the bonds of family, the warmth of friendship, a change of career, and the enchanting allure of community amid the changing seasons. Set against the backdrop of a particularly enchanting autumn, the story draws you in.
Full of heartfelt moments, humor, small-town drama, and the promise of second chances, the tale celebrates the much-anticipated revival of the beloved Fall Apple Festival. Readers are introduced to a vibrant cast of memorable characters, each steeped in the rich tapestry of small-town lore, as they navigate through life’s ups and downs.
I was particularly captivated by Lauryn's poignant journey back to her quaint hometown of Greenstead, Virginia, her drive, ambition, and determination. Amidst the familiar yet transformed surroundings, she works to make the best of her circumstances and her connection to this charming small-town environment.
The heartfelt rekindling of friendship between Lauryn and her former best friend, Marina, is especially moving. Their long-held differences must be set aside as they unite to save the festival they cherished in their childhood—a testament to the strength of friendship and community spirit.
This is a heartwarming saga brimming with determination and inspiration, urging us to embrace our destinies. Prepare yourself for delightful small-town drama, the cozy vibes of autumn, and an abundance of everything APPLES in this enchanting and engaging story.
Who can resist the magic of fall events? They truly are a celebration of the season!
Recs..
If you enjoy heartfelt tales that resonate with family bonds and personal growth, then Lauryn Harper Falls Apart is a must-read. This captivating story will appeal to fans of authors like Viola Shipman, whose poignant narratives often explore the intricacies of relationships and small towns; Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Susan Wiggs, whose beautifully crafted characters navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a paperback advanced reading copy for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 9, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Praise
"Robinson’s charming story of derailed plans and unexpected friendship is a lively, joyful read." ― Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
"Lauryn Harper Falls Apart may be the title of Shauna Robinson’s latest gem, but the reality is that Lauryn Harper puts herself back together. This feel-good tale of escaping corporate greed and finding a home in the very last place one imagines is a love letter to lifelong friendships and a reminder that it’s never too late to start again. I dare you to not reach out to your childhood best friend after reading this entertaining and witty novel!"
― Sara Goodman Confino, bestselling author of Don’t Forget to Write
"Funny, heartwarming, and brimming with small-town charm, this book is a delightful reminder that life isn’t about the rat race―but the people who give you the courage to slow down."
― Anna Johnston, author of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
"Shauna Robinson has created a small town brimming with friendships old and new with a lovable cast of townspeople who care deeply about community and identity against a corporate foe. Hope shines through this satisfying second chance story."
― Sierra Godfrey, author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel
About the Author
Photo Credit: Rachel E.H. Photography
Shauna Robinson writes contemporary fiction with humor and heart. Originally from San Diego, she now lives in Virginia with her husband and their sleepy greyhound. Shauna is an introvert at heart—she spends most of her time reading, baking, and figuring out the politest way to avoid social interaction.
Shauna is represented by Katelyn Detweiler of Jill Grinberg Literary Management. WEBSITE
