Lauryn Harper Falls Apart by Shauna Robinson

My thoughts:

This story about what one does when life derails and the joys and challenges of returning to a hometown makes a perfect fall (and today) Thanksgiving read. Readers will enjoy getting to know Lauryn and her (ex) best friend. Will they reconnect?

I appreciate that the story features a character with hearing issues. Along with enjoyment, a needed reminder of being sure that you are literally (not just metaphorically) understood was welcome.

The story, setting and characters offer an engaging and relaxing read. This could be just right for free time reading on a busy day.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 September 2025

First posted on 27 November 2025

Description:

from the publisher

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.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews:

“Robinson’s charming story of derailed plans and unexpected friendship is a lively, joyful read.” ― Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

About the Author

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.