Book excerpt: Manhattan food critic Valentina Aragon is reluctant to visit small town River Valley. When her mentor insists it will help recharge her creativity (with the possibility of a promotion), Val figures there is nothing to lose. A trip to the local B&B turns out to be just what the doctor ordered, and Val easily loses herself in the warm citizens and welcoming town. The last thing she expects is a run-in with an unmannerly yet very handsome landscape designer. Brandon Scott never expected to lose his heart. With a full workload to keep him busy and a reluctance to start a relationship, love is the last thing on his mind. Though he isn’t exactly welcoming to the local inn’s pretty new boarder, an opportunity to make it up to her draws them closer together. As the golden leaves fall and River Valley embraces the chilly autumn season, acquaintances turn into friends and more, a community comes together to save a local treasure, and a figure from Brandon’s past may jeopardize his thriving business and possible future with Val.