REVIEW: Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

I have received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book through the publisher. This has not affected my rating or review in any way.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an Advance Reader’s Copy of Mint to Be!

[This review does not contain any spoilers for the first book in the series, Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, but if you are interested in reading my review you can find it here!]

After receiving my review copy of Katie Cicatelli-Kuc's Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice a few months ago, I was also granted a copy of the next installment in the Briar Glen series, Mint to Be! We're back in our cozy New England spot in time for the winter holidays, following childhood best friends Emma and Aiden. Well, former childhood best friends, as they've drifted apart with Emma's move to New York. Now back in Briar Glen for Christmas with her new boyfriend in tow, will Emma and Aiden be able to rekindle their friendship?

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice. There were no real stakes like there were in the first book, and I found myself growing more and more bored as I read through this. I found Sam, Emma's boyfriend, very annoying. I'm sure that was the intention, but he was unbearable to read about. And Emma and Aiden felt too childish for what their ages were supposed to be (17 and 18, respectively). The story was okay, but very low-stakes and slow-paced.

Overall I did not have the best luck with this holiday read, and I probably won't be continuing with the Briar Glen series if any future installments are released. With that, I give Mint to Be 2 out of 5 stars.

Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc will be available on October 7th, 2025.

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