🎃 Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
A cozy, feel-good small-town romance with autumn vibes, a grumpy farmer, and a whole lot of pumpkin spice.
Laurie Gilmore’s The Pumpkin Spice Café is the first book in the Dream Harbor series and has become a viral sensation on TikTok for good reason. With its warm setting, charming characters, and a classic grumpy x sunshine dynamic, this romcom is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Hannah Grace, and seasonal romance that blends sweetness with just a touch of spice.
☕ Plot Overview
Jeanie is burned out from her corporate life in Boston when her Aunt Dot gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the quaint town of Dream Harbor. Eager for a fresh start, Jeanie dives into small-town life—but quickly clashes with Logan, a rugged local farmer who avoids town gossip and emotional entanglements at all costs.
Despite their differences, Jeanie’s sunny disposition and Logan’s brooding charm begin to spark something deeper. But with meddling townsfolk, personal baggage, and someone trying to sabotage the café, their budding romance faces more than a few hurdles.
💫 Why Readers Love It
- Grumpy x Sunshine Trope: Logan’s guarded nature contrasts beautifully with Jeanie’s optimism, creating delicious tension and heartfelt moments.
- Autumnal Atmosphere: From pumpkin lattes to cozy sweaters, the book is steeped in fall vibes that make it perfect for seasonal reading.
- Small-Town Charm: Dream Harbor is full of quirky side characters, gossip, and community spirit that add depth and warmth.
- Light Spice: While not overly steamy, the romance has enough heat to keep things interesting without overshadowing the emotional core.
📚 Reader Reception
- Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5 from thousands of readers
- Praise: “A warm hug in book form,” “Perfect for curling up with on a rainy day,” and “Logan is the ultimate grumpy book boyfriend.”
- Criticism: Some readers found the pacing slow or the characters underdeveloped, but most agree it’s a comforting, low-stakes read.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Pumpkin Spice Café is a cozy, heartwarming romance that’s ideal for fans of small-town stories, seasonal settings, and emotionally satisfying love arcs. If you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm drink on a crisp fall morning, this one’s worth savoring.
