Isabelle Popp has delivered a contemporary romance that marries small-town charm with genuine depth in “Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About.” This debut offering proves that some of the best love stories bloom in the most unexpected soil—in this case, the pumpkin patches of Pea Blossom, Indiana.
The novel follows Sadie Fox, a successful textile artist who returns to her hometown with reluctant determination to save her father’s pumpkin-growing legacy. When wild hogs destroy the family patch, her annoyingly cheerful neighbor Josh Thatcher—a tech millionaire turned gentleman farmer—offers assistance that Sadie can’t quite refuse, despite her prickly exterior.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Sadie Fox: The Perfectly Imperfect Heroine
Popp has crafted a heroine who feels refreshingly authentic. Sadie’s characterization as a sweary, tattooed textile artist with trust issues avoids the tired trope of the secretly-soft bad girl. Instead, she’s genuinely complex—someone whose artistic success in Los Angeles masks deeper wounds related to family approval and belonging. The author skillfully weaves Sadie’s fiber arts expertise throughout the narrative, making her profession feel integral rather than decorative.
Her relationship with her father Stu provides emotional weight that grounds the romance. The tension between wanting his approval while rejecting his world creates believable internal conflict that drives both plot and character growth.
Josh Thatcher: Sunshine with Substance
Josh could have easily fallen into the “golden retriever boyfriend” stereotype, but Popp gives him layers. His backstory as a successful game developer (creator of the mobile game “Pinchy Boi”) who chose agricultural life over Silicon Valley provides believable motivation for his presence in small-town Indiana. His genuine passion for sustainable farming and experimental squash cultivation makes him more than just a romantic foil.
The author does particularly well in showing Josh’s patience with Sadie without making him a doormat. His understanding of her boundaries while still pursuing what he wants demonstrates emotional maturity often lacking in romance heroes.
Where the Romance Blooms
The romantic development between Sadie and Josh unfolds with organic pacing that feels both inevitable and surprising. Popp excels at building tension through small moments—shared glances during pumpkin painting, the discovery of Josh’s “bathroom supplies,” and their competitive banter during fair competitions.
The steam level is perfectly calibrated for contemporary romance readers, with well-written intimate scenes that advance both character development and relationship building. The author handles consent and communication between partners with modern sensibilities while maintaining romantic tension.
Their conflicts feel genuine rather than manufactured. Sadie’s fear of vulnerability and Josh’s desire for openness create realistic relationship hurdles. The misunderstanding about Josh potentially buying Fox Family Farm serves as an effective third-act conflict that stems naturally from the characters’ established motivations and fears.
Small-Town Setting That Serves the Story
Pea Blossom, Indiana, emerges as more than mere backdrop. Popp clearly understands rural Midwestern communities, presenting them with affection but without excessive nostalgia. The Seasonal Produce of Indiana Celebration and Exposition (SPICE) serves as both plot device and authentic celebration of agricultural community.
The supporting cast—from Sadie’s sister Grace to the members of the Spinning and Weaving Guild—feels lived-in rather than populated by quirky small-town stereotypes. These characters have their own motivations and relationships that exist beyond serving the main romance.
Critical Considerations
While “Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About” succeeds in most areas, some elements could have been strengthened. The pacing occasionally slows during middle sections focused on agricultural details, though farming enthusiasts will likely appreciate this specificity.
The resolution of Sadie’s relationship with her father, while emotionally satisfying, feels somewhat rushed. Given the weight placed on their conflict throughout the novel, a more extended reconciliation process might have felt more earned.
Additionally, while Sadie’s artistic journey provides compelling subtext, her breakthrough at the novel’s end—organizing a community textile exhibition—could have been developed more thoroughly. The shift from solitary artist to community organizer, while thematically appropriate, happens quickly.
Writing Style and Craft
Popp demonstrates strong command of contemporary romance conventions while bringing fresh voice to familiar territory. Her writing style balances wit with emotional depth, particularly in dialogue that crackles with authentic chemistry. The author’s background in fiber arts clearly influences the textile descriptions, which never feel overly technical while still demonstrating expertise.
The dual POV structure allows readers to understand both characters’ motivations without telegraphing resolutions too obviously. Popp also handles the integration of serious themes—family dysfunction, career fulfillment, community connection—without overwhelming the romantic core.
Similar Reads for Romance Enthusiasts
Readers who enjoy this blend of contemporary romance with agricultural elements in “Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About” might appreciate:
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – for witty banter and emotional depth
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – for enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert – for complex heroines and patient heroes
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary – for unconventional meet-cutes and character growth
- “One Day in December” by Josie Silver – for small-town charm and seasonal romance
Final Verdict
“Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About” succeeds as both romance and character study. Popp has created a love story that respects both genre conventions and reader intelligence. While not revolutionary, it’s thoroughly satisfying—comfort food for romance readers who appreciate well-developed characters and authentic emotion.
The novel’s strength lies in its characters’ authenticity and the author’s clear affection for both romance as a genre and the communities she portrays. This is small-town romance done right, with enough substance to satisfy readers seeking more than surface-level attraction.
For contemporary romance enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to stories about second chances, family relationships, and finding home, this debut delivers exactly what its charming title promises—something substantial to talk about.
I received an advance reader copy of “Let’s Give ‘Em Pumpkin to Talk About” from the publisher through their reviewer program, like a perfectly timed pumpkin delivery just before harvest season. This review reflects my honest opinion, cultivated with the same care Josh Thatcher tends his prize-winning gourds—with patience, attention to detail, and genuine appreciation for the craft involved.