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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
The Apple Tree is Jewel's second book in the Sunday Morning Series. It is about Eve Marie Jacobson, eighteen, the middle sister. Eve graduated from high school and started working cleaning for the motel in town, Devil's Head Inn, but she still lives at home with her parents and younger sister. Eve buried her stash of liquor by the creek until her preacher father, Peter, found out and grounded her; now, she spies on her new neighbor, a single dad, and steals his apples from his orchard.
Kyle Marcus Collins, twenty-eight, is a math teacher and the new football coach. His five-year-old son Josh is starting kindergarten. Kyle's older brother Fred is best friends with Peter Jacobson, their new neighbor.
Since finishing Sunday Morning, I've eagerly anticipated Eve's story, and Jewel's The Apple Tree did not disappoint. The novel is a captivating blend of a forbidden age-gap romance and the nostalgic charm of the 1980s. Jewel's engaging writing style brings the banter, emotions, and storyline to life, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
F.U.C.K. Fornication Under Consent of the King. Or For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
Kyle Marcus Collins, twenty-eight, is a math teacher and the new football coach. His five-year-old son Josh is starting kindergarten. Kyle's older brother Fred is best friends with Peter Jacobson, their new neighbor.
Since finishing Sunday Morning, I've eagerly anticipated Eve's story, and Jewel's The Apple Tree did not disappoint. The novel is a captivating blend of a forbidden age-gap romance and the nostalgic charm of the 1980s. Jewel's engaging writing style brings the banter, emotions, and storyline to life, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
F.U.C.K. Fornication Under Consent of the King. Or For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“I love that you’ll never stop taking my breath away. And when I’m old, and on my deathbed, I’m going to give you this smile with my last breath, and doing so will be the greatest honor of my life.“
Not gonna lie, this book and its characters moved me to tears more than once.
Eve is one of those female characters that you just cannot help falling hopelessly in love with. Her precocious nature and devil-may- care attitude hides so much depth of emotion, and past traumas which she uses humor to deflect. Her home life was tough for me to read about, because I personally, share so much of her history.
Kyle is a charmer, self proclaimed math nerd, former football star and father to an adorable little boy. His chemistry with Eve and the various ways she reminds him of himself evoke a sense of nostalgia when you read their early interactions in the story.
The quick banter, shared smiles & winks, and heartwarming moments with Josh made me swoon.
On the surface, this is story of forbidden love, coming of age, and finding oneself. It’s also about feeling unconditional love and acceptance for your children without the need for control and dominance.
This multi layered series has brought about some of my own personal healing, and I don’t think it’s possible to feel more connected with characters. Once again, Jewel
has given her readers a time for quiet reflection, bravery, and a sense of yearning to break the weight of others expectations over our lives. The story is beautiful and it moved me.
I’m so looking forward to the third and final Jacobson sister,Gabby’s book!
Not gonna lie, this book and its characters moved me to tears more than once.
Eve is one of those female characters that you just cannot help falling hopelessly in love with. Her precocious nature and devil-may- care attitude hides so much depth of emotion, and past traumas which she uses humor to deflect. Her home life was tough for me to read about, because I personally, share so much of her history.
Kyle is a charmer, self proclaimed math nerd, former football star and father to an adorable little boy. His chemistry with Eve and the various ways she reminds him of himself evoke a sense of nostalgia when you read their early interactions in the story.
The quick banter, shared smiles & winks, and heartwarming moments with Josh made me swoon.
On the surface, this is story of forbidden love, coming of age, and finding oneself. It’s also about feeling unconditional love and acceptance for your children without the need for control and dominance.
This multi layered series has brought about some of my own personal healing, and I don’t think it’s possible to feel more connected with characters. Once again, Jewel
has given her readers a time for quiet reflection, bravery, and a sense of yearning to break the weight of others expectations over our lives. The story is beautiful and it moved me.
I’m so looking forward to the third and final Jacobson sister,Gabby’s book!
I should have known based on my reaction to book 1 that this book would tug at my heartstrings. Eve is the feistiest of the Jacobson sisters. She's a rebel, headstrong, and fiercely independent, but she's held back by the fact that as long as she lives at home, she has to follow her parents' rules. Not to mention dad is the town's preacher. Then Kyle Collins and his son Josh move next door. Kyle is a high school Math teacher. If Eve was his student, he would have all kinds of trouble on his hands. Kyle is 10 years older than her, but Eve is far ahead when it comes to the things she's experienced over the years but yet still immature in some ways. However, her way of dealing with adversity and big feelings is to drown it in alcohol. Just when things have begun with them, they seem to have ended. It was truly and emotional journey and one I don't think anyone thought would end on a happy note.
"We fall in love with our hearts, not with our brains."
This is so true for Kyle and Eve. They overcame so much to be together.
I can count on the author to make me experience a wide range of emotions while reading one of her books. The characters are complex, their experiences are varied, and the storylines full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge until the very end.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
"We fall in love with our hearts, not with our brains."
This is so true for Kyle and Eve. They overcame so much to be together.
I can count on the author to make me experience a wide range of emotions while reading one of her books. The characters are complex, their experiences are varied, and the storylines full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge until the very end.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I loved Eve’s story! It was heartwarming and just so romantic! THE APPLE TREE is set in the 80s. We first meet Eve in Sunday Morning. In the book, she is 18 years old, is the daughter of a preacher, and wise beyond her years.
Kyle Collins is new to their small town and moves in next door. He is a single dad and happens to be the new football coach at the local HS. There’s an instant connection when Eve and Kyle first meet! And it only gets stronger the more they hang out. I loved their dynamic and also Eve’s relationship with his son.
Their chemistry was so palpable and I absolutely loved their banter. Jewel always delivers in that she knows how to write an emotional, compelling story but knows how to lighten the mood by infusing humor or fun banter. It takes true skill to do that, and Jewel is masterful at it.
THE APPLE TREE is a standalone but I do highly recommend that you read SUNDAY MORNING first because it is truly amazing and such a fabulous read! 5⭐️
Thanks so much Jewel and @valentine_pr_ for the complementary book. All opinions are my own!
Kyle Collins is new to their small town and moves in next door. He is a single dad and happens to be the new football coach at the local HS. There’s an instant connection when Eve and Kyle first meet! And it only gets stronger the more they hang out. I loved their dynamic and also Eve’s relationship with his son.
Their chemistry was so palpable and I absolutely loved their banter. Jewel always delivers in that she knows how to write an emotional, compelling story but knows how to lighten the mood by infusing humor or fun banter. It takes true skill to do that, and Jewel is masterful at it.
THE APPLE TREE is a standalone but I do highly recommend that you read SUNDAY MORNING first because it is truly amazing and such a fabulous read! 5⭐️
Thanks so much Jewel and @valentine_pr_ for the complementary book. All opinions are my own!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Without a doubt, five stars!
I don’t even know where to start this review because The Apple Tree is just that special. Jewel E. Ann has this incredible talent for creating stories that stay with you long after you’ve read the final page, and this one is no exception.
As someone who was completely invested in Sarah’s journey in Sunday Morning, I wasn’t sure what to expect with her younger sister, Eve Marie Jacobson, taking center stage. But let me tell you, Eve’s story is an entirely different kind of magic. At 18 years old, Eve is at that complicated crossroads where she feels like she has everything and nothing figured out. And when Kyle Marcus Collins—a single father with his adorable five-year-old son, Josh—moves in next door, her life is turned upside down in the most beautiful and chaotic ways. (also, I like their full names, sue me!)
Their 10-year age gap didn’t bother me one bit because, quite honestly, nothing mattered except the raw, undeniable connection between them. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about love that challenges societal norms, love that demands sacrifices, and love that makes you fight for each other even when it feels impossible.
Kyle is...wow. I didn’t think anyone could dethrone Fisher as my favorite Jewel E. Ann hero, but Kyle has officially taken the top spot. He’s romantic, gentle, and so deeply committed to Eve and Josh in a way that’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The way he wouldn’t let Eve leave without a kiss goodbye, no matter how mad she was, absolutely melted me. Every moment between them felt so authentic, whether it was tender or messy.
Jewel E. Ann writes her FMCs in such a unique way—they’re the heart of the story, and their personal growth is always front and center. Eve’s journey hit me hard because I saw so much of myself in her, which made certain moments difficult to read but also deeply meaningful. Her struggles, her triumphs, and her fierce determination to find herself while navigating love and life were so beautifully written.
And the challenges these two faced? Oh, my heart. Being an age-gap couple in a small town with a preacher’s daughter adds layers of tension and complexity, and it’s all handled so realistically. You know they had to fight tooth and nail to be together, even beyond the epilogue, and it’s infuriating that love like theirs ever has to justify itself.
As for the supporting characters, I’ll say this: Eve’s parents are still the worst. But the story is so layered and rich that even their awfulness couldn’t detract from how much I loved this book.
If you’re a fan of age-gap romances with a serious, heartfelt plot and characters who feel like real people, The Apple Tree will sweep you off your feet. This isn’t just a love story—it’s Eve’s story. And it’s one I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
Jewel E. Ann, you’ve done it again.
I don’t even know where to start this review because The Apple Tree is just that special. Jewel E. Ann has this incredible talent for creating stories that stay with you long after you’ve read the final page, and this one is no exception.
As someone who was completely invested in Sarah’s journey in Sunday Morning, I wasn’t sure what to expect with her younger sister, Eve Marie Jacobson, taking center stage. But let me tell you, Eve’s story is an entirely different kind of magic. At 18 years old, Eve is at that complicated crossroads where she feels like she has everything and nothing figured out. And when Kyle Marcus Collins—a single father with his adorable five-year-old son, Josh—moves in next door, her life is turned upside down in the most beautiful and chaotic ways. (also, I like their full names, sue me!)
Their 10-year age gap didn’t bother me one bit because, quite honestly, nothing mattered except the raw, undeniable connection between them. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about love that challenges societal norms, love that demands sacrifices, and love that makes you fight for each other even when it feels impossible.
Kyle is...wow. I didn’t think anyone could dethrone Fisher as my favorite Jewel E. Ann hero, but Kyle has officially taken the top spot. He’s romantic, gentle, and so deeply committed to Eve and Josh in a way that’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The way he wouldn’t let Eve leave without a kiss goodbye, no matter how mad she was, absolutely melted me. Every moment between them felt so authentic, whether it was tender or messy.
Jewel E. Ann writes her FMCs in such a unique way—they’re the heart of the story, and their personal growth is always front and center. Eve’s journey hit me hard because I saw so much of myself in her, which made certain moments difficult to read but also deeply meaningful. Her struggles, her triumphs, and her fierce determination to find herself while navigating love and life were so beautifully written.
And the challenges these two faced? Oh, my heart. Being an age-gap couple in a small town with a preacher’s daughter adds layers of tension and complexity, and it’s all handled so realistically. You know they had to fight tooth and nail to be together, even beyond the epilogue, and it’s infuriating that love like theirs ever has to justify itself.
As for the supporting characters, I’ll say this: Eve’s parents are still the worst. But the story is so layered and rich that even their awfulness couldn’t detract from how much I loved this book.
If you’re a fan of age-gap romances with a serious, heartfelt plot and characters who feel like real people, The Apple Tree will sweep you off your feet. This isn’t just a love story—it’s Eve’s story. And it’s one I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
Jewel E. Ann, you’ve done it again.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤.
Another fabulous 5⭐️ read from Jewel E. Ann! 🤩
Eve is Devil’s Head’s preacher’s rebellious middle daughter. And when Kyle moves in next door with his adorable 5 year old son, she just knows he’ll be needing a babysitter. 👀
I loved Eve so much! She’s so feisty and funny. She never shies away from saying what’s on her mind, and I loved how honest and open she was with all that she was feeling.
The flirty banter between her and Kyle was definitely top notch. And that tension? 🔥🫠
There’s a big age gap in this one, and…she’s just 18, just out of high school, a high school he is now teaching at…which is an uncomfortable reality. But, even as someone who usually steers clear of books with young FMCs, I found Eve was so much more than her age, and her connection with Kyle was undeniable, and hard fought, and just so beautiful.
The last section of the book took a turn I didn’t expect, but it added so much more depth to the story and characters, and just made it all that much more emotionally impactful.
And I’m sorry, but that epilogue: 😭
This series has definitely cemented itself as an all time favorite of mine, and I can’t wait for baby sister Gabby’s book. 🥰
Thank you to Jewel E. Ann and @valentine_pr_ for providing me an early copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
What this book is giving:
✅ Small Town Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ 1987
✅ Single Dad
✅ Preacher’s Daughter
✅ Rebel Daughter
✅ Tension!🔥
✅ Flirty Banter
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️¾ / 5
Jewel has a way with words, and making you feel every single emotion. It's magic while reading her books. You find yourself fully immersed crying, laughing, and everything in between.
Eve is full of life. She is young, wild, and has a dry sense of humor that will make you laugh. Then we have Kyle who is a single dad, 10 years older than Eve, and her next door neighbor. The absolute angst and tension between this two had me enraptured. It was like their two souls spoke to one another.
I don't want to say much more because I truly think you need to go into this book with open and fresh eyes to fully immerse yourself in their story and feel the full impact of all of the emotions hitting you at every turn.
I will say the epilogue brought a big smile to my face and a feeling of all the contentment and happiness for our main couple.
Read if you like
🍎 Secret Romance
🍎 Age Gap (10 years)
🍎 Forbidden
🍎 Single Dad
🍎 Small Town
Eve is full of life. She is young, wild, and has a dry sense of humor that will make you laugh. Then we have Kyle who is a single dad, 10 years older than Eve, and her next door neighbor. The absolute angst and tension between this two had me enraptured. It was like their two souls spoke to one another.
I don't want to say much more because I truly think you need to go into this book with open and fresh eyes to fully immerse yourself in their story and feel the full impact of all of the emotions hitting you at every turn.
I will say the epilogue brought a big smile to my face and a feeling of all the contentment and happiness for our main couple.
Read if you like
🍎 Secret Romance
🍎 Age Gap (10 years)
🍎 Forbidden
🍎 Single Dad
🍎 Small Town
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
I really struggled with this one. I honestly had to force myself to pick it up and finish. Eve was very immature. It makes sense since she’s 18. But the interaction between her and Kyle felt odd. She keeps pushing him, and they have this attraction to each other. He tries to fight it but fails. I think this book felt a bit weird to me because it’s not YA/New Adult but also not fully Adult.
I also don’t think I believed the relationship. I can get past an age gap, but just feel like something was missing between them.
I think I also wanted a bit more from the family interactions, especially after the drama at the end. There was more that could have been fleshed out.
Overall just ok.
Thanks Valentine PR for the early copy.
I also don’t think I believed the relationship. I can get past an age gap, but just feel like something was missing between them.
I think I also wanted a bit more from the family interactions, especially after the drama at the end. There was more that could have been fleshed out.
Overall just ok.
Thanks Valentine PR for the early copy.
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This story follows Eve, an 18-year-old living at home with her parents while working at a motel and helping babysit for the neighbor who just moved in next door. Kyle, 28, is a single father with a 5-year-old son and works as a football coach and math teacher at the local high school. As Eve’s presence grows in Kyle’s life, can they resist the growing tension between them?
Set in the 1980s, I loved the element of sneaking around. I enjoyed both characters individually, but I wasn’t completely sold on certain aspects of the storyline. This might be the first Jewel book that didn’t quite resonate with me. I struggled a bit with Eve’s character—she had moments of maturity, but then she’d have immature outbursts, like stomping away, which frustrated me. She wanted to be treated like an adult, yet her actions didn’t always align with that. Kyle, on the other hand, had difficulty loving and trusting due to his past, which was understandable and added depth to his character.
The part of the storyline I struggled with most was the handling of the alcohol theme. At first, it seemed like casual drinking in Kyle’s presence, which I interpreted as a rebellious act against her parents’ rules. It started with a causal drink here and there, but then something serious happened, and she was sent away. Eve didn’t drink alone though—it was just something she did occasionally—but this aspect of the story felt underdeveloped for me. I think it needed more exploration to make its impact more meaningful.
I still love Jewel’s writing style, but unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 372
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Sunday Morning Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Neighbours Secret Relationship, Forced Proximity, Preachers Daughter, Religious, Baby Sitter, Alcohol, Alcoholic, Rehab, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk and Outside Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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Set in the 1980s, I loved the element of sneaking around. I enjoyed both characters individually, but I wasn’t completely sold on certain aspects of the storyline. This might be the first Jewel book that didn’t quite resonate with me. I struggled a bit with Eve’s character—she had moments of maturity, but then she’d have immature outbursts, like stomping away, which frustrated me. She wanted to be treated like an adult, yet her actions didn’t always align with that. Kyle, on the other hand, had difficulty loving and trusting due to his past, which was understandable and added depth to his character.
The part of the storyline I struggled with most was the handling of the alcohol theme. At first, it seemed like casual drinking in Kyle’s presence, which I interpreted as a rebellious act against her parents’ rules. It started with a causal drink here and there, but then something serious happened, and she was sent away. Eve didn’t drink alone though—it was just something she did occasionally—but this aspect of the story felt underdeveloped for me. I think it needed more exploration to make its impact more meaningful.
I still love Jewel’s writing style, but unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 372
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book Two In The Sunday Morning Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Neighbours Secret Relationship, Forced Proximity, Preachers Daughter, Religious, Baby Sitter, Alcohol, Alcoholic, Rehab, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Praise, Dirty Talk and Outside Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫